Hubert Parry's "Job," released on October 1, 1998, under the Hyperion label, is a choral masterpiece that brings to life the timeless story of Job from the Bible. This album, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and divine justice, set to Parry's evocative and powerful compositions.
The album is structured as a dramatic oratorio, divided into four scenes, each delving into different aspects of Job's trials and tribulations. Parry's music masterfully captures the essence of each character, from the despairing Job to the cunning Satan and the wisdom of the chorus. The choral arrangements are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the depth and versatility of the human voice in conveying the complex emotions and themes of the narrative.
Parry's "Job" is not just a retelling of a biblical story; it is a profound meditation on the human condition. The music is both intimate and grand, reflecting the personal and universal dimensions of Job's journey. The album is a testament to Parry's skill as a composer, his ability to blend narrative and music in a way that resonates deeply with the listener.
This album is a must-listen for fans of choral music and those interested in the intersection of music and spirituality. It offers a unique and moving experience that highlights the enduring relevance of the story of Job and the power of music to explore and express the deepest aspects of human experience.
Job, Scene 1: No. 1, There Was a Man in the Land of Uz (Narrator/Job)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright, Neal Davies, Hilary Davan Wetton
Job, Scene 1: No. 2, And the Lord Said to Satan (Narrator/Chorus/Satan)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Davies, Hilary Davan Wetton, Toby Spence, Guildford Choral Society
Job, Scene 1: No. 3, But Put Forth Thine Hand Now (Satan/Narrator/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Toby Spence, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Davies
Job, Scene 2: No. 1, The Flocks of My Master Are Blessed of God (Shepherd Boy)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Jaime Morgan Hitchcock, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 2: No. 2, Come, O Sabean Horde! Come, and Destroy! (Satan/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Toby Spence
Job, Scene 2: No. 3, And There Came a Messenger to Job, and Said (Narrator/Shepherd Boy/Job/Satan/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Jaime Morgan Hitchcock, Neal Davies, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Toby Spence
Job, Scene 2: No. 4, Lift Up Thy Voice, O Son of Man, and Cry (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: Introduction. Now When Job's friends Heard of All This Evil (Narrator)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 1. Let the Day Perish Wherein I Was Born (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 2. Why Died I Not from the Womb? (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 3. How Should a Man Be Just with God? (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 4. My Soul Is Weary of My Life (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 5. Man That Is Born of Woman Is of Few Days (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 6. O That I Were as in the Months Past (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 7. But Now My Soul Is Poured Out upon Me (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 8. For I Know That Thou Shalt Bring Me unto Death (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 1, Who Is This That Darkeneth Counsel by Words Without Knowledge? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 2, Who Shut Up the Sea with Doors? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 3, Hast Thou Commanded the Morning Since Thy Days? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 4, Hast Thou Given the Horse Strength? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Job, Scene 4: No. 5, Wilt Thou Disannul Judgment? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 6, Then Shall God Also Confess That Thine Own Right Hand Can Save Thee (Chorus/Narrator/Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
Job, Scene 4: No. 7, And It Was So, That the Lord Turned the Captivity of Job (Narrator)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra