Hubert Parry's oratorio Judith (in full, Judith, or the Regeneration of Manasseh) was a hit when it was first performed in 1888, but this is the world premiere recording. It's a studio version that followed closely on a live performance, which itself was the first since 1889. One can see why, with Wagner and Strauss on the rise, the oratorio might have fallen out of favor: the scene in which Judith lures and then beheads Holofernes is not included in the libretto, and the whole thing is Victorian as can be. This said, it is ...
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Hubert Parry's oratorio Judith (in full, Judith, or the Regeneration of Manasseh) was a hit when it was first performed in 1888, but this is the world premiere recording. It's a studio version that followed closely on a live performance, which itself was the first since 1889. One can see why, with Wagner and Strauss on the rise, the oratorio might have fallen out of favor: the scene in which Judith lures and then beheads Holofernes is not included in the libretto, and the whole thing is Victorian as can be. This said, it is a well-crafted piece of work, and fans of English music will want this fine performance in their collections. The London Mozart Players may seem too delicate an ensemble for a big late 19th century oratorio, but a quick listen to the opening Allegro spiritoso will show the listener that the music is closer to Mendelssohn than to Elgar. There are lots of polyphonic choruses expressing religious sentiments, some very catchy tunes, and a strong climax in which Judith (Sarah Fox)...
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