Introduction:

In Wales there is a natural abundance of National Folk Music which can be traced back over two thousand years when the ancient Bards sang their songs, accompanying themselves on the crwth (a bowed lyre) and the early Welsh harp. The songs they sang were in praise or of commendation, or even ballads aimed at prevalent follies or folktales.

Down through the centuries to the present day the Welsh have continued to express their music, whether through song, harp or fiddle, consistently demonstrating a natural feeling for rhythmically stirring melodies, descriptive soulful songs with many examples of a very beautiful form.

The violin possibly became popular in Wales during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Much of the fiddle music was transmitted aurally and it is due to a Dr John Lloyd Williams (also known as “John Thomas”) of Aberystwyth in the mid 18th century that we have today a wealth of Welsh fiddle music. But for his foresight and enthusiasm to record his country’s national folk tunes onto manuscript, this vast inheritance would have been non existent.

Welsh folk dances, due to a religious scruple, were frowned upon from the 18th century onwards and the words of some songs and ballads were not always acceptable. The harp and fiddle were driven into the inns, and later ousted from those. However, revival did emerge and in 1908 the Welsh Folk Song Society was formed which did much to inspire and rejuvenate national interest both within Wales and abroad.

William McConnell

The Optional Cello part is available as a free download from www.CliftonEdition.com/C722