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Welsh: The Language of Song, Part I

© Sarah Stevenson

Report on the 2002 Cwrs Cymraeg. Before I introduce some singing traditions of Wales, I'd like to fill you in on this year's Cwrs Cymraeg Cymdeithas Madog, held July 21-28 at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Called Y Cwrs ar y Paith, or The Course on the Prairie, this year's week of Welsh language learning was as enjoyable and packed with activity as ever. In addition to the language lessons and fun activities such as folk dancing and pub night, one of the highlights was the field trip to Lucas, Iowa. Lucas was the birthplace of Welsh-American John Llywelyn Lewis, a prominent labor leader in the unionization movement. Thursday night's Welsh-language film, Eldra, was also a high point-the movie told a fascinating tale based on the life of a Welsh gypsy and her family. And this year, I was honored to be elected to the Cymdeithas Madog Board of Directors, where I will be helping with publicity, fundraising, and the CM website. All in all, it was an exciting and educational week full of hwyl!

Source: Alun Thomas Harps

The Language of Song. Wales is often referred to as the Land of Song, and it is certainly true that music has had an important role in Welsh society up to the present day. "From an early age most...Welsh-speaking people...are brought up to take part in concerts and competitions in churches, schools etc. as soloists and members of choirs or instrumental groups and so they carry out a wide range of musical activities" (Bayer, Preface). To put it simply, the Welsh in general love to sing!

In particular, various uniquely Welsh musical forms have helped to revive and preserve interest in the melodious Welsh language. This, in turn, has proved to be a valuable contribution to Welsh identity both in Wales and for people of Welsh heritage around the world. In this two-part article I will discuss the history and context of traditional Welsh music, particularly vocal music; define some of the major types of Welsh vocal music; discuss some of the social contexts in which vocal music plays an important role; and leave you with some resources for further information.

In a romantic sense, it is possible to trace the roots or precursors of Welsh vocal music all the way back to the early Celtic civilization. Though very little is known about the musical culture of the Celts, classical sources from that time describe a rich oral tradition by which music and poetry were passed down through generations of bards (Bayer 1.1). "The duties of the bards were: to play the harp and sing at weddings, funerals, games and other festivities, or to sing songs of praise to honour heroes - these were held to be sacred" (1.1). The bardic tradition continued and expanded during the Middle Ages, when court bards of various classes and specialties were employed by local lords and even kings. The first eisteddfod-a competitive festival of Welsh arts, music, and poetry-is thought to have been held in the 11th or 12 century.

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