Parry, John Orlando

1810-1879

 

Son of the preceding. Barytone singer, composer and pianist of considerable ability; born in London. His father taught him harp, piano and singing, and he also took harp lessons from Bochsa and vocal from Smart and Lablache. He made his debut as a harpist in 1825 and as a singer in 1830. In 1833 he visited Italy, staying for some time at Naples. He was a capital imitator and very successful as a singer of humorous ballads. Notes, Vocal and Instrumental, an entertainment given by him in 1849, won great popularity, as did his numerous songs. The words of most of his productions were written for him by Albert Smith, but he himself arranged the music, and usually was his own accompanist. His great activity told on his health, and in 1853 he had to give up public performances. He became organist of St. Jude's Church, Southsea, also giving a few vocal lessons. In 1860, however, he returned to the public, appearing for nine years in popular entertainments. His farewell appearance was made in 1877 at a benefit.