Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet, was an English composer, teacher, and historian of music born on February 27, 1848, in Bournemouth1. He is best known for his choral song โJerusalem,โ his setting for the coronation anthem โI was glad,โ the choral and orchestral ode โBlest Pair of Sirens,โ and the hymn tune โRepton,โ which sets the words โDear Lord and Father of Mankind.โ His orchestral works include five symphonies and a set of Symphonic Variations.
Parryโs first major works appeared in 1880, and he was a significant figure in the revival of English music at the end of the 19th century. He was appointed professor of composition and musical history at the Royal College of Music in 1883 and succeeded George Grove as head of the college in 1895, a position he held until his death1. He also wrote several books about music and music history, with his 1909 study of Johann Sebastian Bach being particularly well-known.
Parryโs influence on later composers is widely recognized. Edward Elgar learned much of his craft from Parryโs articles in Groveโs Dictionary, and among those who studied under Parry at the Royal College were Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Frank Bridge, and John Ireland1. He passed away on October 7, 1918.