Of course, you've heard of Parry: English listeners at least know his setting of William Blake's Jerusalem, which is virtually a second National Anthem. You might also know his piece I Was Glad, written for the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 and performed at the recent Royal Wedding (minus the "Vivat" sections which can only be sung at a Coronation).
However, apart from these ceremonial pieces he is far too little-known. Today we will hear all five of his Symphonies (seldom played and even more seldom recorded) and a selection of other works, including the simply marvellous Blest Pair of Sirens (also performed at the Royal Wedding). In his writing you'll hear hints of all kinds of other British composers, notably Vaughan Williams (who studied under him) and Elgar (who was also influenced by Parry). You'll also catch a hint of Wagner, and it was Parry who brought German classical techniques to England.
Read more about Parry in this Wikipedia article. And listeners in the UK can watch this illuminating BBC TV documentary about Parry presented by HRH the Prince of Wales via the BBC iPlayer.
Today's programme is presented by Elrik Merlin and produced by gullar sahir in conjunction with the Alexandrian Free Library Consortium of Second Life. You can listen to the programme now at http://loudcity.com/stations/radio-riel/tune_in; outside the US, tune to http://main.radioriel.org in-world, or simply click here if your browser is configured to launch a player automatically.
For more information on the Alexandrian Free Library, current exhibits and the work of Consortium members in general, please visit the Alexandrian Free Library website, or one of their branches in-world.
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