Parry, Joseph

Composer

b Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales 1841, d Penarth, Glamorgan 1903. After basic schooling he worked at the coalmining furnaces at the age of 10; when his musical but very poor family emigrated in 1854 to Danville, Pennsylvania, he was employed at 13 in an ironworks but also studied music with two other Welshmen-in-exile. Won a prize for composing, 1860, spending the next year studying in New York, supported by his fellow-workers. In 1862 he returned to Wales to an organist’s post and won 3 Eisteddfod prizes. Concerts in America were followed by study at the RAM in London, 1868–71. He briefly led a music school in Danville until recalled to Wales as Prof of Music, University Coll Aberystwyth. After further teaching in Swansea he became Prof of Music at University Coll Cardiff; he lectured widely, and composed opera, oratorio, songs and some 400 hymn tunes. His 4 symphonies were less successful. Hon MusD from Oxford and Cambridge. Nos.40=452, 42=43, 133A, 149.