Parry Before Jerusalem

Through his activities as a composer, historian, lecturer and administrator, Sir Hubert Parry (1848-1918) played a significant role in British music during the latter half of the 19th century. At the invitation of Grove he made substantial contributions to A Dictionary of Music and Musicians in 1877 - some of which are reprinted here. Again at Grove's instigation, he was appointed Professor of Musical History and Literature at the newly opened Royal College of Music in 1883. In addition to this position, which he held until his death, he composed a wide range of works including five symphonies, two oratorios and numerous other sacred and secular works.Yet despite these achievements, this century has for the most part, neglected both Parry's writings and his compositions, his name is remembered by the general public for one work alone - Jerusalem. In this collection of essays, Bernard Benoliel examines some of the reasons for this neglect and reassesses some of Parry's most important works, recordings of which are only now becoming available.These essays show that it was due to the large number and diversity of his public engagements (both social and work-related) that Parry's musical achievements did not often reach the heights of creative genius of which he might otherwise have been capable.By examining Parry's personal relationships with his family, and in particular with his wife, Maude, Benoliel reveals an immensely complex personality; a man whose private and public selves were very much shaped by the society in which he lived - ultimately to the detriment of his personal fulfilment.