Voices of Connection: 07/18 British Grandeur!
Today we turn to the grandest of grand British Cathedral anthems. Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918) was the composer who wrote Jerusalem (“Oh did those feet in ancient times”) and the iconic anthem I was glad, both of which we have featured on our series. Today’s piece is a very rich work. It begins with an extended organ introduction, then a gorgeous entry of the chorus. The work has many contrasting sections, and, in most performances, the piece can seem rambling. But, for me, it is an inspired work. And I think in this 2016 live performance my beloved ensemble and I clearly delineated the architecture of the piece – how one section leads naturally to the next, and finally to the thrilling, glorious finale!
– Dennis Keene
SIR CHARLES HUBERT HASTINGS PARRY Blest Pair of Sirens
Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Andrew Henderson, organ
from the concert SERENADE TO MUSIC
Thursday, April 14, 2016, Church of the Ascension, New York City
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.