A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Parry, John (of Rhuabon)

PARRY, JOHN, of Rhuabon, North Wales, was domestic harper to Sir Watkin Williams Wynne, of Wynnstay. He came to London, where his playing is said to have been admired by Handel, and to have excited Gray to the completion of his poem, 'The Bard.' In 1742 he put forth the earliest published collection of Welsh melodies under the title of 'Ancient British Music of the Cambro-Britons.' He afterwards published (undated) 'A Collection of Welsh English and Scotch Airs; also, Lessons for the Harpsichord'; and, in 1781. 'Cambrian Harmony; a Collection of Ancient Welsh Airs, the traditional remains of those sung by the Bards of Wales.' He died 1782. Though totally blind, he is reported to have been an excellent draught-player.

[ W. H. H. ]