Welsh Folksongs (Advanced)
Description
- Dafydd y Garreg Wen - David of the White Rock
- Wrth fyn'd hefo Deio i Dywyn - As I went with Tom to Tywyn
- Suo-gân - Lullaby
- Lliw Gwyn Rhosyn yr Haf - White Rose of Summer
- Lisa Lân - Fair Lisa
- Hela'r 'Sgyfarnog - Hunting the Hare
The 18th Century harpist and composer David Owen was know locally as Dafydd y Garreg Wen (David of the White Rock) after the farm near Morfa Bychan that was his home. According to folklore, Owen called for his harp as he lay on his death bed and composed this haunting melody. The words were added a century later by John Ceiriog Hughes.
Lisa Lân (Fair Lisa) is a lover's lament. The heartsick lover asks Lisa to guide him to where she is, so that they may be reunited in death. In contrast Lliw Gwyn Rhosyn yr Haf is a joyous love song dedicated to the white rose of summer. Suo-gân simply means lullaby, although this seemingly comforting melody is tinged with melancholy. Hela'r ‘Sgyfarnog (Hunting the Hare) is a lively hunting song and Wrth fynd hefo Deio i Dywyn is all about a shopping trip to Tywyn.
Dafydd y Garreg Wen, Wrth fynd hefo Deio i Dywyn and Lisa Lân were arranged in 1991, the others were added in 2008, originally in a version for two guitars. The songs have been performed and recorded in various different vocal and instrumental combinations.