Contents
1. Y Gadlys 6:30
Of Noble Race Was Shenkin
2. Syr Harri Ddu ** (Sir Harri Ddû) 7:00
Black Sir Harry
3. Breuddwyd y Frenhines * 4:00
The Queen’s Dream
4. Nos Calan ** 5:30
New Year’s Eve
5. Dynwared yr Eos 13:00
Mock Nightingale
6. Megan a Gollodd ei Gardas * 2:30
Megan, who Lost her Girdle
7. Morfa Rhuddlan 16:00
Rhuddlan Marsh
8. Meillionen * 3:00
Sir Watkin’s Delight
9. Toriad y Dydd ** (Torried y Dydd) 7:00
The Break of Day
10. Sweet Richard 7:30
11. Glân Meddwdod Mwy * 2:30
Good Humoured and Merry
12. Calenig 6:00
New Year’s Gift
* Suitable for the Celtic Harp
** Easily adapted for the Celtic Harp
Notes from the arranger
In this tercentenary year of the birth of John Parry, it is a great pleasure to publish this collection of variations on twelve Welsh harp tunes by one of Wales’ most notable harpists. John Parry enjoyed the patronage of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn of Wynnstay near Ruabon, having been taken into full employment as his domestic harper. As a result he became one of the most famous 18th century harpists, remembered not only as a talented performer but also for publishing three volumes of harp music between 1742 and 1781. They are: Antient British Music, published in 1742 (the first complete collection of Welsh harp airs ever to be published); A Collection of Welsh, English and Scotch Airs with New Variations, published in 1761; and British Harmony, published in 1781. The twelve harp tunes which I have chosen for this collection are taken from two of these volumes.
To facilitate modern performance I have suggested fingerings, phrase markings and tempo markings. Even though this music was composed originally for the triple harp, I have added pedal markings to encourage performances on the pedal harp, noting in the contents page those pieces which are suitable, with some adaptation, for Celtic harp.
I am indebted to the staff of the Welsh Folk Museum and The National Library of Wales for their advice on finding the source materials and also, to my former teacher, Ann Griffiths, for preparing the most informative and interesting notes for this publication.
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