Credits:

Parry(1848-1918)

Description:

World Premiere Recording of Parry's Unknown Oratorio "Judith"! Charles Hubert Parry's oratorio "Judith" (Judith in English) was commissioned by the Birmingham Music Festival, and its premiere in Birmingham in 1888 was a great success, solidifying Parry's position as a composer for large orchestra and chorus, After Parry's death, the work remained forgotten. The oratorio in two acts is based on the biblical story of Manasseh and Judith, for which Parry himself wrote the libretto. Later, however, the focus shifted to the exploits of Judith, and the subtitle "The Regeneration of Manasseh" was retained.Interest in the work has grown since its North American premiere in 2015 by the Pax Christi Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Stephen Martin, and William Vann, founder of the London English Song Festival, made its first London performance in 130 years in April 2019. (The photo at left shows the show at the Royal Festival Hall.) A few weeks later, another recording session was arranged at St. Jude-on-the-Hill Church, resulting in a world premiere recording in SACD surround sound by Chandos, renowned for its excellent orchestral and choral recordings. Tokyo M-Plus

Tracklisting:

1.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Introduction: Allegro spiritoso - Meno mosso -
2.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Processional Music of Worshippers. Allegro maestoso - Worshippers: Hail, Moloch!. [ ] -
3.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Manasseh: Draw near and worship, O my people!. L'istesso tempo -
4.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Worshippers:Have mercy, dread Mol
5.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: High Priest: Hear ye the word of your god!. Ad libitum sostenuto -
6.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Worshippers: Hail! thou art highly favoured, King!. Animato - Manasseh: My children Moloch’s!. Agitato - Animando -
7.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Worshippers: Bring now the children!. Allegro - It is the god’s decree. Con spirito - Poco piu animato -
8.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: High Priest: Hearken, O King!. Lento pomposo -
9.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 1. Moloch: Worshippers: Hail, Moloch, hail!. Allegro
10.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 2. The Children: Dialogue. Andante sostenuto - Children and Meshullemeth: O mother, tell us once again. [ ] - Agitato. Piu mosso -
11.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 2. The Children: Ballad. Meshullemeth and Children: Long since in Egypt's plenteous land. Allegretto semplice -
12.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 2. The Children: Chorus of Priests of Moloch, Meshullemeth, and Children: Great Queen, the King calls for his children. Maestoso moderato - Piu mosso - Tranquillo - A tempo piu animato -
13.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 2. The Children: Judith: Lady! thou Queen of Israel!. Lento - Andante molto sostenuto - Poco animato - Poco piu animato
14.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Chorus of Priests: Moloch! Moloch! give ear!. Allegro comodo - Manasseh: My people, see, the holy children come. [ ] - Chorus of People: Crown we the stainless victims. [ ] -
15.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Judith: Stay your hideous mockeries!. [ ] - Meno mosso -
16.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Judith: Now shall the Lord Jehovah visit you. Alla breve - Sostenuto -
17.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Chorus. Worshippers of Moloch: Who is this that raileth at Moloch?. L'istesso tempo, fieramente -
18.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Messenger: O King, give ear!. L'istesso tempo. Agitato -
19.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Manasseh: Fear not, my people. Sostenuto -
20.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Chorus. Worshippers of Moloch: The host of Assur is like a swarm of locusts. Allegro moderato -
21.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Judith: Jerusalem was loved of the Lord. [ ] - Meno mosso - Allegro moderato, marziale -
22.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Chorus. Priests of Moloch: Moloch, Moloch, hear us now. Allegro molto - Chorus. Worshippers of Moloch: Rise in might and scatter our foes. [ ] - Chorus of Assyrians: The heroes of Assur. Allegro spiritoso -
23.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: People: Fly! Fly! The host of Assur is come on us. Piu moto - Piu moto -
24.Judith, or The Regeneration of Manasseh~Act I: Scene 3. Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: People: Jerusalem, that was Queen of the nations. Maestoso - Piu lento