Joseph Parry

Joseph Parry (1841–1903) was a Welsh composer, teacher, conductor, and organist who became a major figure in nineteenth-century Welsh musical life. Born at Merthyr Tydfil, he worked first as a child in the coal and iron industries. His family emigrated to Danville, Pennsylvania, in 1854, where he continued industrial work while studying music in his spare time. Success in Welsh eisteddfod composition competitions helped supporters raise funds for formal study at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1868 to 1871.

Parry later returned to Wales and served as professor and head of the new music department at University College, Aberystwyth, from 1874 to 1880. He received the Doctor of Music degree from Cambridge in 1878. From 1881 to 1888 he worked in Swansea as organist of Ebenezer Chapel and as head of a music college; from 1888 until his death he taught at University College, Cardiff. His work in Congregational chapel life formed part of the musical culture in which he composed and taught.

Parry wrote songs, anthems, hymn tunes, cantatas, oratorios, and operas. His Welsh opera Blodwen and the song “Myfanwy” became especially well known. His hymn tune ABERYSTWYTH, first published in 1879, became one of his most enduring contributions to congregational song and has been paired with several English hymn texts.