Search - Horatio Parker, John Levick, Julie Simson :: Horatio Parker: Hora Novissima

Almost Forgotten...almost

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Horatio Parker (1863 - 1919) was a giant in his day, well known for his oratorios and cantatas that were widely performed throughout America, and especially in his New England, yet today he is almost forgotten. A pupil of the almost equally unknown composer George Whitefield Chadwick and teacher of such composers as Charles Ives, Roger Sessions and Quincy Porter, Parker enjoyed great success with his choral works that were the relish of groups like the British choral societies. Of his works the HORA NOVISSIMA is perhaps the best known and for good reason: it is the pinnacle of the late 19th century Victorian grand sound that was to give way to modernism in the 20th century.



It is to the credit of John Levick and his Nebraska Chamber Orchestra and Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir that Parker's great oratorio is in the recorded repertoire. This is fine performance with Levick in full control of the massive forces and the thick orchestral and choral writing, allowing the poetry to come through as it should. His fine quartet of soloists includes bass Duane Anderson, tenor Kent Hall, mezzo-soprano Julie Simson, and soprano Anna Sorrano. This is a richly rewarding performance and very well recorded.



Paired with the oratorio is Parker's Concerto for organ and Orchestra in E flat minor with Stephen Krahn as soloist. Both of these works beg for performances in large cathedrals where the vaulting sonic spaces make the music even more spiritual.



Though the CD is pricey, for lovers of the great choral tradition and for those who wish to explore the roots of American music, it is well worth it. To my knowledge there is no other recording in the current CD repertoire. Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06"

"Training Tape"

Pelham G. Boyer | Rhode Island | 10/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This composer, once a household name, is not much listened to now but is frequently programmed by community and amateur choruses & orchestras, as work that is highly satisfying for audiences to hear and for the chorus to sing, and yet quite accessible (given a good translation of the Latin) and not too terribly difficult. This is a fine, assured recording to study a part with or remember a concert occasion by, with clear, expressive voice lines."

Listen to it!

Brian E. Burns | Dubuque, IA | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Parker's masterpiece. Regardless of whatr modern critics have to say, and they are absurdly condescending to Parker's generation, this is a piece that deserves aplace in the standard repertoire. Having sung the double chorus movement, I can't agree with the other reviewer that this is an easy sing: it's not. It is a highly polished work by a master craftsman. Listen to it before you read any critic's commentary on it: you be the judge. People who accuse PArker of aping German models aren't listening close enough!"