Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Hubert Parry's 'English Lyrics (6), Set 5' is a collection of six songs for voice and piano, composed in 1913. The set was premiered on May 22, 1913, at a concert at the Aeolian Hall in London, with the composer accompanying the singer, Gervase Elwes. The first song in the set, 'The Sound of Hidden Music,' is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. It is characterized by a flowing melody and a gentle, lilting rhythm, which perfectly captures the poem's sense of mystery and wonder. The second song, 'The Lark Ascending,' is perhaps the most famous of the set. It is a setting of a poem by George Meredith, and is notable for its soaring, lyrical melody, which perfectly captures the sense of freedom and joy expressed in the poem. The third song, 'The Fields of Sorrow,' is a setting of a poem by William Morris. It is a more somber and reflective piece, with a slower tempo and a more melancholy melody. The piano accompaniment is also more subdued, with a gentle, rolling rhythm that evokes the sense of a mournful procession. The fourth song, 'The Nightingale,' is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. It is a lively and energetic piece, with a fast tempo and a playful, almost whimsical melody. The piano accompaniment is also quite busy, with a lot of rapid arpeggios and trills. The fifth song, 'The Sound of War,' is a setting of a poem by Laurence Binyon. It is a powerful and dramatic piece, with a driving rhythm and a soaring, almost operatic melody. The piano accompaniment is also quite forceful, with a lot of pounding chords and thunderous arpeggios. The final song in the set, 'The Choristers,' is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. It is a more subdued and contemplative piece, with a slower tempo and a more introspective melody. The piano accompaniment is also quite gentle, with a lot of delicate arpeggios and soft, flowing chords. Overall, 'English Lyrics (6), Set 5' is a beautiful and varied collection of songs, showcasing Parry's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of each poem in his music.

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