John Orlando Parry by (George) Herbert Watkins
, late 1850s
John Orlando Parry
John Orlando Parry by (George) Herbert Watkins
albumen print, arched top, late 1850s
Original in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Image out of copright.
During a period of nearly forty years Parry composed or compiled several songs and ballads. Many of these won prizes from the Melodists' Club, including ‘Fair Daphne’ (1840) and ‘The Flying Dutchman’ (1848). Some of his songs were arranged as quadrilles by L. Negri in 1842, and L. G. Jullien's Buffa Quadrilles (1844) were also based on his tunes. Among Parry's other works were glees and much music for the piano, especially polkas.
John Orlando Parry, c.1840
Portrait by Artist Daniel Maclise
John Orlando Parry, c.1840
Portrait by Artist Daniel Maclise (1806 - 1870).
oil on millboard.
Original on display at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
Image out of copright.
In 1860 he joined Thomas German Reed and his wife, Priscilla, at the Gallery of Illustration, Regent Street, London. He entertained the public there for nearly nine years with a series of droll impersonations and marvellous musical monologues, treating the comic song as a comedy scene with musical illustrations. He devised his own entertainments, composed his own music, and played his own accompaniments.