Joseph Parry Biography

Joseph Parry (21 May 1841 – 17 February 1903) was a Welsh composer and musician. Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, he is best known as the composer of "Myfanwy" and the hymn tune "Aberystwyth", which the African song "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" is said to be based on. Parry was also the first Welshman to compose an opera; his composition, Blodwen, was the first opera in the Welsh language.