This edition was prepared by John Henry Fowler — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
"By Music" from {{NoCo|Ode to St. Cecilia's Day
Staff Notation • Secular, Arias
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"By Music" from {{NoCo|Ode to St. Cecilia's Day by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry — Lyrics
By Music, minds an equal temper know,
Nor swell too high, nor sink too low.
If in the breast tumultuous joys arise,
Music her soft, assuasive voice applies;
Or, when the soul is press'd with cares,
Exalts her in enlivening airs.
Warriors she fires with animated sounds;
Pours balm into the bleeding lover's wounds;
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About "By Music" from {{NoCo|Ode to St. Cecilia's Day
Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s setting of Alexander Pope’s Ode to Saint Cecilia’s Day offers a powerful baritone aria exploring music’s profound influence. The text, originally from 1708, speaks of music's ability to temper emotions, soothing tumultuous joys and lifting spirits weighed down by cares. It paints vivid pictures of music's transformative power, from invigorating warriors to healing wounded lovers, and even calming destructive passions and quieting political strife. Parry’s solo for baritone captures these dramatic and emotional shifts, making it suitable for concerts celebrating the arts or as a substantial solo moment within a larger program.
