PARRY, JOHN (‘The Blind Harpist ’; 1710?-1782), of Ruabon ;
b. at Bryn Cynan, near Nevin, Caerns., c. 1710. Thomas Price (Carnhuanawc, q.v.) says that his harp teacher was Robert Parry, Llanllyfni, Caerns.; Edward Jones (Bardd y Brenin, q.v.) says that he received lessons from Stephen Shôn Jones, Penrhyndeudraeth. He became one of the best harpists in the kingdom and took part at concerts given in London, Cambridge, Oxford, and Dublin. He was family harpist at Wynnstay, Denbighshire, the home of the Williams Wynn family. His greatest service to Wales was rendered by his three publications: (a) Antient British Music, 1742 (in the preparation of this work he was assisted by Evan Williams (b. 1706) (q.v.); (b) A Collection of Welsh, English, and Scotch Airs, 1761; and (c) British Harmony, being a Collection of Antient Welsh Airs, 1781. He d. in 1782 — in Nov. according to the Gentleman's Magazine, but in Oct. according to Edward Jones (Musical and Poetical Relics …). It is believed that he was buried in Ruabon churchyard.
Bibliography:
- D.N.B.;
- R. Griffith, Llyfr Cerdd Dannau.;
- M. O. Jones, Byw. Cerdd. Cymr.;
- Groves, Dictionary of Music;
- J. Lloyd Williams, Y Tri Thelynor;
- Y Cerddor, Sept. 1889.
Author:
Robert David Griffith, M.A., (1877-1958), Old Colwyn
