Lord Let Me Know Mine End – Sir Hubert Parry

As we gather for remembrance today, we introduce the beautiful and poignant “Lord, Let Me Know Mine End” by Sir Hubert Parry, from his collection “Songs of Farewell”. Composed during World War I, this emotional work reflects on the human soul, our experiences and the impact of conflict.

For Parry, as for everyone, the appalling events unfolding across the channel were a desperately agonising time. The composer experienced ‘an incredulity, combined with a profound sense of betrayal, that a nation of artistic heroes who had taught him everything…..could be capable of such carnage’.

By the time Parry was composing the 6 Songs of Farewell, he knew that he had not long to live. Though they are Parry’s own valediction – he died less than two years after their completion – they can also be seen as his farewell to the rapidly vanishing world of his youth. Common to all the texts are the contrasting themes of the transitory nature of life and the redeeming power of faith. The motets are to a large extent expressions of personal belief rather than orthodox liturgical works; only this, the final setting, has a recognised sacred text. In the haunting melodies of only voices, singing in beautiful harmony, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and commit to peace.

The six individual motets are arranged in a carefully organised scheme of developing length and complexity. All are hauntingly beautiful but the final is a spectacular display of sincere, emotional writing. Not surprisingly, Parry’s Songs of Farewell are widely acknowledged as masterpieces of unaccompanied choral writing.

Mr Mercer, Head of Co-Curricular Music