Band

This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.

This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.

When composing this work, the brief from the commissioning band was for the composer to base the work on a chorale-like subject matter, and this he has done with aplomb. In the very first bars a chorale melody is presented and gradually the same thematic material is more extensively orchestrated with the melodic themes becoming more varied. With a few surprising harmonic turns the piece comes to a majestic end. This is a well-structured work of extreme elegance. Dur: 9:10