Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1885 - 1918

Average_duration

:

3:01

Hubert Parry's 'English Lyrics (74), Op.176' is a collection of 74 songs for voice and piano, composed between 1906 and 1912. The collection was premiered in 1912, with Parry accompanying the singer, Gervase Elwes, at the piano. The songs in 'English Lyrics' are divided into four books, each containing a variety of songs with different moods and themes. The first book includes songs about nature and the countryside, such as 'The Sound of Hidden Music' and 'The Skylark'. The second book features songs about love and relationships, including 'Love is a Sickness' and 'The Maiden's Song'. The third book includes songs about death and loss, such as 'The Passing Bell' and 'The Unknown Warrior'. The final book features songs about patriotism and national identity, including 'Jerusalem' and 'England'. Parry's 'English Lyrics' are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive piano accompaniments. The songs are often quite simple in structure, with a clear and direct emotional impact. Parry's use of folk-like melodies and modal harmonies gives the songs a distinctly English flavor, and his settings of traditional English texts, such as 'Jerusalem', have become iconic in the English choral tradition. Overall, 'English Lyrics (74), Op.176' is a significant contribution to the English song repertoire, and a testament to Parry's skill as a composer of vocal music.

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