Who is familiar with the words “gwlad beirdd a chantorion”? I am sure that you will all have heard these words at some point in your life, whether when singing at the beginning of an international rugby match, at the end of a school eisteddfod or in a concert.
Music is an integral part of our lives as Welsh people, from the singing at the Eisteddfod to the Cân i Gymru competition, from singing hymns in chapel to representing Wales in choral competitions, from singing in rugby games to singing nursery rhymes. Think about last week, when did you have a chance to listen to music?
Some Welsh people have put our country on the world's musical map. Names such as Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey are now familiar around the world, and a Welsh song from Wales has even reached number 1 in the British iTunes charts. In early 2020 a popular song at Parc y Scarlets, Yma o Hyd by Dafydd Iwan, reached number 1 in the iTunes charts selling more than bands such as 'The Weekend'. Really, where else but Wales would rugby players celebrate scoring a try by listening to a song by one of the country's folk singers?
Musical tradition is very inclusive here in Wales. Children are encouraged at a very young age to go on stage to play an instrument or to sing at our biggest arts festival here in Wales, the Eisteddfod. This is the start of the successful journey for a number of famous singers and instrumentalists in Wales. There is even a hymn singing competition for people over 60 at the Eisteddfod.
In a large number of Eisteddfodau, the highlight is always the choral singing. But the tradition here is not just for professional choirs! Oh no! Videos are often taken of groups of friends, or sometimes strangers, starting to sing in 4 voices in unexpected places such as on buses or in restaurants!
Why not read the articles to learn more about a few aspects of the 'land of song'?
Wow! What a gig!!
After the success of past gigs I decided this year to go to the Pavilion Gig at the National Eisteddfod.
I can say hand on heart - IT WAS GREAT!!
This year the organisers decided to arrange a gig with the Welsh Pops Orchestra. It was a gig, a concert and one big party! I arrived excitedly all in the middle of a crowd of Welsh people. Obviously I had to stop first to get a bag of sweets on the field and then I made my way to my seat. The songs of the 90s were being played and it was nice to hear the songs of my childhood once again! There's nothing better than a little bit of ‘Paid â Bod Ofn’!
I'm a big fan of Diffiniad and Lleden, and I'm pretty sure I'm the number one fan of Eden! The singers were all wonderful but the highlight for me was hearing the Welsh Pops Orchestra. I have been in gig after gig listening to a feast of Welsh singers but this is the first time that I have heard an orchestra live.
If I had to give the gig a mark out of 10, I would definitely give it an 11! I'm already looking forward to next year's gig!
Hen wlad fy nhadau
The national anthem was composed in 1856. It was a family project as Evan James wrote the lyrics and his son James James composed the tune. The original name given to the song was Glan Rhondda since James James reportedly thought of the tune on the river bank. After James composed the tune he asked his father to write words. Evan wrote the words in response to a request from his brother to emigrate to America with him. The words are full of emotion and show Evan's obvious love of his country.
Elizabeth John was the first to perform the song, at the vestry of Tabor Chapel in Maesteg. Although the song became more popular at the end of the 19th century as people started singing it in a variety of Eisteddfodau, it had to wait until 1905 before being heard for the first time at the start of an international rugby match.
Today, there is a monument in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd in memory of the tremendous contribution that Evans and James James have made to our country.
Cân i Gymru
Cân i Gymru is a competition shown on S4C in early March, around St David's Day. Composers across the whole of Wales have the opportunity to compete by composing a song. The competition dates back to 1969, but the competition was not called Cân i Gymru at the time but Cân Disg a Dawn. Today the winning composer gets a sum of money and the opportunity to travel to represent Wales at the Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland.
The winner of Cân i Gymru 2021 was Morgan Elwy with the song Bach o Hwne.
In 2016 a vote was held where viewers had the opportunity to vote for their favourite ever Cân i Gymru. The results were:
1st – Torri’n Rhydd by Matthew McAvoy and Steffan Rhys Williams
2nd – Gofidiau by Lowri Watcyn Roberts and Elfed Morgan Morris
3rd – Y Cwm by Huw Chiswell
4th – Harbwr Diogel by Arfon Wyn and Richard Synnott
5th – Galw Amdanat Ti by Barry Evans and Mirain Evans
6th – Dagrau Tawel by Meinir Richards and Tudur Dylan Jones
7th – Cerrig yr Afon by Iwcs a Doyle
Welsh Singers on The Voice
Who are you?
I'm Joe Woolford from Ruthin.
When did you start singing?
I started rapping at the age of 13.
What did you do in 2015?
I went on The Voice. I went on Rita Ora's team. I chose her because she's young and talented and also I thought, "She'll really help me”.
What did you sing on The Voice?
I sang lots of songs from “Lights” (Ellie Goulding) to “I wont give up” (Jason Mraz). In the semi-final, I sang “Jealous” (Labrinth).
What did you do between shows?
Practised! You had to practise a lot but sometimes I went out with the other competitors. We went out for food and we went shopping and it was great. People were coming up to talk to us and they were asking, "Are you on The Voice? It was funny – but it was also nice.
Did you go to see Rita Ora perform?
Yes, I went to see her and Charli XCX perform at the O2 Empire at Sheppard's Bush. The gig was incredible. Rita and Charli XCX were fantastic and I learned a lot.
What did you enjoy about the experience of singing on The Voice?
Everything! It was great but I had to work hard to get to The Voice. I worked hard for years. When people said, "No!" I tried again. If you work hard you will get what you want.
