My name is Michael Davies, although I use the name *Michael Parcell-Davies* primarily in connection with my music to distinguish myself from the many others who share my common name, particularly online.
My grandfather, George Henry Parcell (1895–1967), was a choirmaster and composer of numerous hymns. Through his influence, I developed an early appreciation for the emotional depth of sacred classical music, especially the striking effect of certain chord progressions in four-part harmony (SATB — soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). His work and career are documented in the Dictionary of Welsh Biography (Hugh, R. L., 2001). Hugh, R. L., (2001). PARCELL, GEORGE HENRY (1895 - 1967), musician. Dictionary of Welsh Biography.
As I began composing, I found myself naturally drawn to the rich sonorities and expressive harmonic language of the Romantic classical tradition.
Saron Chapel in Gendros (Forestfach), Swansea, was the centre of my grandfather’s musical activity, although it has since been demolished. It closely resembled the chapel shown in the YouTube video below, which features a piano fantasia based on four of my grandfather’s hymns.