February 27, 1848:
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry is born at 2 Richmond Terrace in Bournemouth, United Kingdom, the sixth child born to Thomas Gambier Parry, a painter and art collector, and Anna Maria Isabella Fynes Clinton, of aristocratic lineage and daughter of a former member of Parliament. Mrs. Parry gives birth in the last stages of tuberculosis and will die in twelve days. They are in Bournemouth in an attempt to recover her health.
February 22, 1865:
A four-part Fugue in G for organ by Hubert Parry (16) is performed for the first time, in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.
December 9, 1865:
Two works by Hubert Parry (17) are performed for the first time, at Eton College: Overture in b minor for piano duet, and the part-song Take, O take those lips away, to words of Shakespeare.
December 8, 1866:
O Lord, Thou hast cast us out, a cantata by Hubert Parry (18) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, at Eton College. The work is in partial fulfillment of the B.Mus. degree.
December 11, 1866:
Oft in the stilly night, a madrigal by Hubert Parry (18) to words of Moore, is performed for the first time, at Eton College.
December 14, 1866:
Hubert Parry (18) leaves Eton College after having achieved the B.Mus. degree. He will apply to Exeter College, Oxford.
January 26, 1867:
Hubert Parry (18) matriculates at Exeter College, Oxford.
September 3, 1868:
Intermezzo religioso for orchestra by Hubert Parry (20) is performed for the first time, in Gloucester.
December 8, 1868:
One of the Three Odes of Anacreon for solo voice and piano by Hubert Parry (20), translated by Moore, Away, away, you men of rules, is performed for the first time, at Exeter College, Oxford.
October 23, 1869:
Hubert Parry (21) is elected President of the Exeter College Musical Society’s standing committee.
June 20, 1870:
Lady Mary Elizabeth Herbert writes to Hubert Parry (22) informing him unequivocally that he may not entertain any thoughts of marrying her daughter, Maude. See 25 June 1872.
June 25, 1872:
Hubert Parry (24) marries Elizabeth Maude Herbert, the daughter of the 1st Baron Herbert of Lea and granddaughter of the 11th Earl of Pembroke, in St. Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge. See 20 June 1870.
July 14, 1875:
George Grove writes to Hubert Parry (27) asking him to contribute to his new dictionary of music.
March 9, 1877:
Variations on an air by Bach for piano by Hubert Parry (29) is performed for the first time, at the Hotel de Provence, Cannes.
May 16, 1877:
After hearing excerpts from Götterdämmerung, Hubert Parry (29) records in his diary that “Siegfrieds Tod...seems to me the greatest thing in the world and made me quite cold with ecstasy.”
January 31, 1878:
Piano Trio no.1 by Hubert Parry (29) is performed for the first time, in London.
April 11, 1878:
Großes Duo for two pianos by Hubert Parry (30) is performed for the first time, in London.
January 30, 1879:
Fantasie sonata in one movement for violin and piano by Hubert Parry (30) is performed for the first time, in London.
February 13, 1879:
Piano Quartet by Hubert Parry (30) is performed for the first time, in London.
March 15, 1879:
Guillem de Cabestanh, an overture by Hubert Parry (31), is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London.
February 12, 1880:
Sonata for cello and piano by Hubert Parry (31) is performed for the first time, in London.
February 26, 1880:
A String Quartet in G by Hubert Parry is performed for the first time, in London on the eve of the composer’s 32nd birthday.
April 3, 1880:
Piano Concerto in F sharp by Hubert Parry (32) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London.
September 7, 1880:
Scenes from Prometheus Unbound, a dramatic cantata for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (32) to words of Shelley, is performed for the first time, in Gloucester.
July 22, 1881:
Hubert Parry (33) and his family move into their new house, “Knight’s Croft”, in London.
July 27, 1882:
A day after the premiere of Parsifal in Bayreuth, Hubert Parry (34) attends a reception at Wahnfried. “He (Wagner(69)) looks old and white but wonderfully boyish. There is a curious gleam of fire and geniality and freshness about him...I couldn’t get a word with Liszt (70). He was incessantly sidling about caressing everybody like an old bogey at a witches’ sabbath who had got hold of all the pretty rascals he liked best.”
August 31, 1882:
Symphony no.1 by Hubert Parry (34) is performed for the first time, in Birmingham. It is warmly received.
December 30, 1882:
Hubert Parry (34) is appointed professor in the Department of Music History at the newly formed Royal College of Music.
June 12, 1883:
Symphony no.2 by Hubert Parry (35) is performed for the first time, in Cambridge. It is enthusiastically received.
September 4, 1883:
The Glories of Our Blood and State, an ode for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (35) to words of Shirley, is performed for the first time, in Gloucester. The composer records, “Public not much taken with it apparently.”
November 27, 1883:
Incidental music to Aristophanes’ play The Birds by Hubert Parry (35) is performed for the first time, at the University of Cambridge.
May 18, 1884:
String Quintet by Hubert Parry (36) is performed for the first time, in London.
November 25, 1884:
Piano Trio no.2 by Hubert Parry (36) is performed for the first time, in London.
February 10, 1885:
Theme and 19 Variations for piano by Hubert Parry (36) is performed for the first time, in London.
June 17, 1885:
Ordered by his doctor to remove himself from work of any kind, Hubert Parry (37) and a companion depart from Liverpool aboard the Aconcagua bound for Valparaiso.
August 14, 1885:
After three weeks “vacation” in Chile, Hubert Parry (37) boards ship again in Valparaiso, bound for England.
September 9, 1886:
Suite moderne for orchestra by Hubert Parry (38) is performed for the first time, in Gloucester. It is very well received.
December 2, 1886:
A Partita for violin and piano by Hubert Parry (38) is performed for the first time, in London.
May 17, 1887:
Blest Pair of Sirens, an ode for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (39) to words of Milton, is performed for the first time, in London. The composer reports that it is “quite uproariously received.”
August 29, 1888:
Judith, an oratorio by Hubert Parry (40) is performed for the first time, in Birmingham. It is a smashing success which secures Parry’s already growing reputation with the public. Also premiered is In Autumn op.11, a concert overture by Edvard Grieg (45), 22 years after he wrote it.
February 14, 1889:
Violin Sonata in D by Hubert Parry (40) is performed for the first time, in London.
May 23, 1889:
Symphony no.3 “English” by Hubert Parry (41) is performed for the first time, in London, directed by the composer.
July 1, 1889:
Symphony no.4 by Hubert Parry (41) is performed for the first time, in London.
October 11, 1889:
Ode on St. Cecilia's Day for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (41) to words of Pope is performed for the first time, in Leeds. It is a resounding success. Also premiered is The Voyage of Maeldune op.34, a ballad for solo voices, chorus and orchestra by Charles Villiers Stanford (37) to words of Tennyson.
February 13, 1890:
Piano Trio no.3 by Hubert Parry (41) is performed for the first time, in London.
October 15, 1890:
L’Allegro ed Il Pensieroso, a cantata for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (42) to words of Milton, is performed for the first time, in Norwich.
June 28, 1891:
Eton, an ode for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (43) to words of Swinburne, is performed for the first time, at Eton College to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the college.
September 10, 1891:
De profundis for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (43) is performed for the first time, in Hereford.
February 24, 1892:
Incidental music to Aristophanes’ play The Frogs by Hubert Parry (43) is performed for the first time, in Oxford.
May 17, 1892:
How Sweet the Answer, a part-song by Hubert Parry (44) to words of Moore, is performed for the first time, in London.
June 13, 1892:
The Lotos-Eaters, a choric song for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (44) to words of Tennyson, is performed for the first time, in Cambridge, directed by the composer.
September 8, 1892:
Job, an oratorio by Hubert Parry (44) to his own words, is performed for the first time, in Gloucester, conducted by the composer. Of this work George Bernard Shaw will write, “I take Job to be, on the whole, the most utter failure ever achieved by a thoroughly respectworthy musician. There is not one bar in it that comes within fifty thousand miles of the tamest line of the poem.” (Benoliel, 61)
January 2, 1893:
Incidental music to Ogilvie’s play Hypatia by Hubert Parry (44) is performed for the first time, in the Haymarket Theatre, London. See 9 March 1893.
March 9, 1893:
A suite from the incidental music to Hypatia by Hubert Parry (45) is performed for the first time, in London. See 2 January 1893.
September 13, 1893:
Overture to an Unwritten Tragedy by Hubert Parry (45) is performed for the first time, in Worcester, conducted by the composer. The critics are mixed.
May 10, 1894:
Hear My Words, Ye People, an anthem for vocal soloists, chorus, brass, and organ by Hubert Parry (46) to words from the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Salisbury Cathedral.
June 29, 1894:
Lady Radnor Suite for strings by Hubert Parry (46) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London.
July 7, 1894:
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (46) is elected to the Philharmonic Society.
October 3, 1894:
King Saul, an oratorio by Hubert Parry (46), is performed for the first time, in Birmingham. Like previous Parry oratorios, this is a triumph.
January 7, 1895:
Hubert Parry (46) delivers his first speech to the students as the newly-appointed director of the Royal College of Music.
October 2, 1895:
Invocation to Music, an ode for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (47) to words of Bridges, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, the composer conducting.
November 21, 1895:
A grand service of commemoration is held in Westminster Cathedral to mark 200 years since the death of Henry Purcell. Wreaths are laid at his grave by some of the most notable figures in British music, including Hubert Parry (47) and Charles Villiers Stanford (43).
June 3, 1897:
Symphonic Variations by Hubert Parry (49) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London. It is well received.
September 15, 1897:
Magnificat for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (49) is performed for the first time, in Hereford. The critics are ecstatic.
July 13, 1898:
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (50) is knighted by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.
September 15, 1898:
A Song of Darkness and Light for soprano, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (50) to words of Bridges is performed for the first time, in Gloucester.
October 5, 1898:
Caractacus, a cantata by Edward Elgar (41) to words of Acworth, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, conducted by the composer. The audience gives overwhelming support, the press is “polite” but mixed. Afterwards, Elgar first makes the acquaintance of Hubert Parry (50). Gabriel Fauré (53) and Charles Villiers Stanford (46) are also in the audience.
February 2, 1899:
The Folk-Song Society holds its first general meeting, attended by Cecil Sharp (40). Hubert Parry (51) addresses the group.
February 28, 1899:
Incidental music to Craigie’s play A Repentance by Hubert Parry (51) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Theatre, London.
June 20, 1899:
Oxford University confers an honorary doctorate on Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (51).
July 9, 1899:
The North Wind for voice and orchestra by Hubert Parry (51) is performed for the first time, in New Brighton.
November 30, 1899:
Hubert Parry (51) receives a telegram telling him that he has been elected Heather Professor at Oxford University.
May 30, 1900:
Von edler Art, a song for voice and piano by Hubert Parry (52), is performed for the first time, in London.
September 11, 1900:
Thanksgiving Te Deum for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (52) is performed for the first time, in Hereford, “to commemorate the noble achievements of the British forces in South Africa.” Also premiered is The Last Post op.75 for chorus and orchestra by Charles Villiers Stanford (47) to words of Henley. See 25 June 1900.
October 2, 1900:
The Soldier’s Tent for baritone and orchestra by Hubert Parry (52) is performed for the first time, in Birmingham.
November 16, 1900:
Incidental music to Aeschylus’ play Agamemnon by Hubert Parry (52) is performed for the first time, at the University of Cambridge. Critics are confused.
March 7, 1901:
Hubert Parry (53) gives his Inaugural Lecture as professor at Oxford University. His subject is “Style in Musical Art.” So many people desire admittance that the lecture is moved from the Sheldonian Theatre to the Town Hall.
June 13, 1901:
Ode to Music for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (53) to words of Benson, is performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London. It is very enthusiastically received.
August 9, 1902:
The coronation ceremonies of King Edward VII of Great Britain, in Westminster Abbey, include the first performance of the hymn O Mightiest of the Mighty by Edward Elgar (45) to words of Clarke, the Marche du couronnement op.117 for orchestra by Camille Saint-Saëns (66), and the anthem I was glad by Hubert Parry (54) to words of the Psalms. See 23 June 1911.
April 30, 1903:
War and Peace, a symphonic ode for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (55) to words of Benson and the composer, is performed for the first time, in Royal Albert Hall, London, conducted by the composer. It is moderately successful.
September 10, 1903:
Voces clamantium for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (55) to words of the Bible and the composer, is performed for the first time, in Hereford.
April 12, 1904:
Through the efforts of Charles Villiers Stanford (51) and Hubert Parry (56), Edward Elgar (46) is elected to the Athenaeum Club.
June 1, 1904:
Three songs from the sixth set of English Lyrics by Hubert Parry (56) are performed for the first time, in London: And I Love Her Till I Die to anonymous words, Love is a Bable, to anonymous words, and A Lover’s Garland to Greek words translated by Graves. Also performed is Parry’s song Nightfall in Winter to words of Mitchell, from the eighth set of English Lyrics.
September 7, 1904:
Hubert Parry’s (56) sinfonia sacra The Love That Casteth Out Fear for alto, bass, chorus, and orchestra is performed for the first time, in Gloucester.
March 1, 1905:
Incidental music to Aristophanes’ play The Clouds by Hubert Parry (57) is performed for the first time, at the University of Oxford.
October 26, 1905:
The Pied Piper of Hamelin, a cantata by Hubert Parry (57) to words of Browning, is performed for the first time, in Norwich.
November 21, 1905:
After a concert by the Society of Young British Composers at the Royal Academy of Music, Hubert Parry (57) is helped to his home, about to have a serious angina attack.
December 18, 1905:
Hubert Parry (57) is made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by King Edward VII.
September 12, 1906:
The Soul’s Ransom, a sinfonia sacra for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (58) to words of the Bible and the composer, is performed for the first time, in Hereford, conducted by the composer.
November 30, 1906:
The Laird of Cockpen, a song by Hubert Parry (58) to words of Lady Nairn, is performed for the first time, in London.
September 26, 1907:
The Vision of Life for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (59) to his own words, is performed for the first time, in Cardiff.
September 9, 1908:
The Wand of Youth Orchestral Suite no.2 by Edward Elgar (51) is performed for the first time, in the Public Hall, Worcester, under the baton of the composer. Also premiered is Hubert Parry’s (60) Beyond these voices there is peace for soprano, bass, chorus, and orchestra to words of the Bible and the composer.
November 18, 1908:
Eton Memorial Ode by Hubert Parry (60) is performed for the first time, at Eton College, in the presence of King Edward and Queen Alexandra.
November 16, 1909:
English Lyrics Set IX for voice and piano by Hubert Parry (61) to word of M. Coleridge, is performed for the first time, in Bechstein Hall, London.
July 8, 1910:
Edward Elgar (53), Hubert Parry (62), Charles Villiers Stanford (57), Edward German, and Alexander Mackenzie all conduct their works at a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra. Elgar and Stanford do not speak to each other.
June 22, 1911:
Several works by British composers are heard for the first time, at the coronation of King George V of Great Britain in Westminster Abbey: the Coronation March op.65 and O Hearken Thou op.64 for chorus and orchestra by Edward Elgar (54), the Gloria from the Festal Communion Service op.128 by Charles Villiers Stanford (58), Te Deum in D for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (63), and a revised version of Parry’s coronation anthem I was glad, first heard at the coronation of Edward VII. See 9 August 1902.
May 7, 1912:
Soliloquy from Browning’s “Saul” for voice and piano by Hubert Parry (64) is performed for the first time, in Westminster Abbey during celebrations of the Browning centenary.
September 12, 1912:
Fantasia on Christmas Carols for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Ralph Vaughan Williams (39) is performed for the first time, in Hereford Cathedral, the composer conducting. Also premiered is Ode on the Nativity by Hubert Parry (64) for soprano, chorus, and orchestra to words of Dunbar.
December 5, 1912:
Symphonic Fantasia (Symphony no.5) by Hubert Parry (64) is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London directed by the composer.
April 7, 1913:
Elegy in A flat for organ by Hubert Parry (65) is performed for the first time, in Wilton for the funeral of the 14th Earl of Pembroke.
April 24, 1913:
God is our Hope for bass, double chorus, and orchestra by Hubert Parry (65) to words of the Psalms is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
February 21, 1914:
Incidental music to Aristophanes’ play The Achamians by Hubert Parry (65) is performed for the first time, in Oxford.
August 4, 1914:
Piloting his boat the Wanderer, Hubert Parry (66), with two others aboard are fired on by the Royal Navy as they attempt to sail through newly mined waters in the Solent. After three shots across their bow they turn back.
November 12, 1914:
From Death to Life, a symphonic poem by Hubert Parry (66), is performed for the first time, in Brighton.
May 13, 1915:
A Hymn for Aviators for unison chorus by Hubert Parry (67) to words of Hamilton is performed for the first time, at a Red Cross concert in Albert Hall.
December 18, 1915:
When Christ was born of Mary free, a carol by Hubert Parry (67) to anonymous words, is performed for the first time, in Albert Hall, London.
March 28, 1916:
Jerusalem, a choral song for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (68) to words of Blake, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London.
May 22, 1916:
Five of the six Songs of Farewell by Hubert Parry (68) are performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London. See 17 June 1917.
December 12, 1916:
The Chivalry of the Sea, an ode for chorus and orchestra by Hubert Parry (68) to words of Bridges, is performed for the first time, in London.
June 17, 1917:
“Lord Let Me Know Mine End”, the sixth of the Songs of Farewell by Hubert Parry (69), is performed for the first time, at New College, Oxford. See 22 May 1916.
December 22, 1917:
Two new carols by Hubert Parry (69) are performed for the first time, in London: I sang the birth, and Welcome Yule.
June 14, 1918:
Hubert Parry (70) receives a letter from Macmillan publishers rejecting his manuscript Instinct and Character.
September 7, 1918:
A large distention is found on the groin of Hubert Parry (70). He is ordered to bed by a doctor. Soon, it will be learned that his blood has been poisoned.
October 7, 1918:
After a month of pain and some delirium, Charles Hubert Hastings Parry dies of blood poisoning in his home Knight’s Croft in Sea Lane, Rustington, Sussex, United Kingdom, aged 70 years, seven months, and ten days.
October 16, 1918:
A funeral in memory of Charles Hubert Hastings Parry takes place in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The building is full, including Edward Elgar (61), Charles Villiers Stanford (66) and representatives of the King, Queen, Prince of Wales, the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, London, Trinity College, Dublin, the Royal Academy of Music, and various musical and academic societies. Lento (in memoriam CHHP) for organ by Frank Bridge (39) is performed for the first time.
November 9, 1918:
Elegy for Brahms (†21) for orchestra by Hubert Parry (†0) is performed for the first time, at the Royal College of Music, London, conducted by Charles Villiers Stanford (66), 21 years after it was composed.
October 22, 1922:
An English Suite for strings by Hubert Parry (†4) is performed for the first time, in London.