Welsh Folk Music: 10 Fun Facts

Folk music is a genre of music that is often passed down through generations. It is a type of music that is typically associated with a certain culture or region. Welsh folk music is no different! Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh folk music.

Welsh Folk Music is a Genre of its Own

Welsh Folk Music: 10 Fun Facts
Wales has a unique and vibrant culture, and its music is an important part of that. Welsh folk music is a genre unto itself, with a rich history and tradition. Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh folk music:

1. Welsh folk music is often pentatonic in scale, meaning it uses five notes per octave instead of the more usual seven.
2. The Welsh language has many words for different kinds of music, including cerdd dant (“string music”), bilcrya (“wind music”), and gwerin (“folk music”).
3. There are three main regional traditions of Welsh folk music: North Wales, South Wales, and Western Wales.
4. The harp is the national instrument of Wales, and has been played there for over 1,000 years.
5. In the 18th century, many Welsh harpists migrated to Ireland, where they helped shape the Irish traditional music scene.
6. Famous Welsh folk musicians include singer Dafydd Iwan, fiddler Catrin Finch, and singer-songwriter John Cale of the Velvet Underground.
7. “All through the night” (“Torres yn y noet”) is a popular Welsh folksong that dates back to the 16th century.
8. “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (“Land of My Fathers”) is the national anthem of Wales and has been sung since 1856.
9. Many traditional Welsh songs are about love, loss, and heartbreak – just like folk songs from other cultures!
10. The Eisteddfod is an annual festival of Welsh culture that includes music, dance, art, poetry, and more – it dates back to 1176!

The Welsh Language is a Key Component of Folk Music

The Welsh language is a key component of Welsh folk music, with many songs being sung in Welsh. This is because folk music was traditionally used as a way for the Welsh people to express their identity, history and culture.

Welsh folk music has been influenced by a number of different genres over the years, including Celtic music, classical music and even American country music. However, the most important influence on Welsh folk music is the traditional music of the Welsh people themselves.

There are a number of different types of Welsh folk music, including ballads, carols, hymns and lullabies. The most famous type of Welsh folk music is probably the male voice choir, which has become world-renowned thanks to groups such as Only Men Aloud! and Bryn Terfel.

If you want to experience Welsh folk music for yourself, then there are a few things you should know. Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh folk music:

1) The first ever eisteddfod – a festival of Welsh literature, music and culture – was held in 1176.
2) Folk songs were traditionally sung in pubs and at social gatherings such as weddings and funerals.
3) Many traditional Welsh folk songs are based on old Celtic mythology.
4) The words to many folk songs were passed down through generations via an oral tradition.
5) One of the most famous pieces of Welsh folklore is the legend of Cerić Gâd – a goblin who kidnaps children who misbehave at Christmas time!
6) Over the years, a number of famous composers have been inspired by Welsh folk music, including Felix Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
7) In 1923, Wales became the first country in the world to appoint an official ‘National Bard’ – a poet who would promote the use of the Welsh language through their poetry.
8) In 2014, UNESCO designated Wales as a ‘World Heritage Site’ specifically due to its rich tradition of oral poetry and folklore.
9) Folk songs were often used as a way for people to pass on news or celebrate important events such as births, marriages and military victories.
10) Famous fans of Welsh folk music include Cardiff-born actor Michael Sheen and rock star Sting!

Folk Music in Wales is Influenced by a Variety of Genres

1. Folk music in Wales is influenced by a variety of genres, including Celtic, English, and American music.
2. The most common instruments used in Welsh folk music are the fiddle, accordion, and bagpipes.
3. Welsh folk songs often tell stories of love, loss, and happiness.
4. Many famous Welsh musicians have gone on to international fame, including Tom Jones, Bryn Terfel, and Charlotte Church.
5. Folk music is still popular in Wales today, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year.
6. The Welsh language is an important part of Welsh culture and many folk songs are sung in Welsh.
7. Some of the most popular Welsh folk songs include “All through the Night”, “Ar Hyd y Nos”, and “Suo Gan”.
8. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Welsh music, with many young people taking up traditional instruments.
9. The popularity of Welsh folk music has also led to a number of crossover artists, including Catatonia and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci.
10. If you’re interested in learning more about Welsh folk music, there are a number of excellent resources available online and in libraries

There are Four Main Types of Welsh Folk Music

Welsh folk music falls into four main categories: instrumental, vocal, dance and traditional.

Instrumental Welsh folk music can be either solo or group performance. Traditional instruments include the fiddle, the guitar, the harp, the pipes and the accordion.

Vocal Welsh folk music includes both solo and group performances. The most common form of solo vocal performance is the unaccompanied ballad, which can tell a story or simply express emotions. Group vocal performances are often based on traditional nursery rhymes or love songs.

Dance music is an important part of Welsh culture, and there are many different types of traditional dances. These include the gwerinio (a circle dance), the cerdd dant (a form of Morris dancing), the crwmpawd (a sword dance) and the waltz.

Traditional Welsh folk music includes both religious and secular songs. Religious songs are often hymns or carols, while secular songs can be about any topic.

The Lyre is a Traditional Welsh Folk Instrument

The Lyre is a traditional Welsh folk instrument. It is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. The Lyre has a long history in Wales, and it is still used today by some Welsh folk musicians.

The Lyre is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, and it was brought to Wales by the Romans. The Welsh name for the Lyre is “Telyn”, which means “string”. The Lyre was used by the ancient Britons and the Welsh to accompany their songs and poetry.

The Lyre was used as a solo instrument, as well as an accompaniment for other instruments such as the harp. It was also used in religious ceremonies and in battle. In Wales, the Lyre was primarily used in folk music, but it also became popular in classical music.

The Lyre has a distinctive sound that is created by the tension of the strings and the shape of the body. The sound of the Lyre can be described as being sweet and melancholic.

The Lyre is still used today by some Welsh folk musicians. There are many different types ofLyres available, including modern versions that are played with a guitar pick. If you are interested in learning how to play the Lyre, there are many resources available online and in libraries

The Harp is Also a Traditional Folk Instrument

The Welsh harp, or telyn deires, is a traditional folk instrument with a rich history in Welsh music. The word “harp” comes from the Old English hearpan, which means “to pluck.” The harp has been used in Wales for centuries, and is known for its unique sound.

There are two types of Welsh harps: the pedal harp and the Celtic harp. The pedal harp is the more common of the two, and is played with the feet keeping time on pedals. The Celtic harp is smaller and easier to transport, making it popular for traveling musicians.

The harp is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, including folk, pop, and classical music. Harpists use a variety of techniques to create different sounds, including plucking the strings with their fingers, using a plectrum (a small pick), or strumming the strings with their hand.

There are many famous Welsh harpists, including Einion Dafydd and Bryn Terfel. Dafydd is perhaps best known for his work with the band Calan, which blends traditional Welsh music with modern pop and rock influences. Terfel is a world-renowned classical singer who has performed with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras.

Folk Music in Wales is Often Performed at Festivals

Festivals are a big part of the Welsh music scene, and many of them feature folk music. Some of the most popular festivals include the Faers Ends Music Festival, which takes place in May, and the Welsh Folk Festival, which takes place in September.

Folk music in Wales often has a cappella vocals, with multiple parts being sung simultaneously. This is known as “parts singing” and is one of the distinguishing features of Welsh folk music.

One of Wales’ most famous folk songs is “Sosban Fach”, which was written in the 19th century by John Jones (also known as “Talhaiarn”). The song is about a little pitcher (sosban fach) that was broken but still managed to hold water.

Other popular Welsh folk songs include “Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn”, “Dacw Mam eisteddfod yn y sgymdrows” and “Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi”.

There are Several Prominent Welsh Folk Bands

Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh Folk Music:
1. There are several prominent Welsh folk bands, including Alaw, Calan, 9 Bach and Fernhill.
2. Welsh folk music has been influenced by a variety of musical traditions, including Celtic music, medieval music and English Folk music.
3. The first ever recordings of Welsh folk music were made by the Gramophone Company in 1908.
4. Traditional Welsh folk instruments include the fiddle, accordion, melodeon (a type of small button accordion), banjo, guitar, cittern and percussion instruments such as the bodhran (a type of drum).
5. A number of famous classical musicians have also been influenced by Welsh folk music, including Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Alban Berg.
6. In 1967, the first ever Wales International Harp Festival was held in Caernarfon Castle – it is now one of the most important Celtic music festivals in the world.
7. Plenty of famous contemporary musicians have incorporated aspects of Welsh folk music into their work – including Catatonia, Super Furry Animals and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci.
8. The National Eisteddfod – a festival of literature, storytelling and music – has been held annually since 1176 (with the exception of 1538-41).
9. In 2012, Cardiff was named a UNESCO City of Music – one of only four in the UK (the others being Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool).
10 . In 2013, Folk duo Calan won ‘Best Album’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for their album ‘Dyddiau Du Blaenau Ffestiniog’ – making them only the second Welsh band to ever win the award (9 Bach won it in 2009).

Welsh Folk Music is Popular Around the World

Welsh Folk Music is Popular Around the World
Wales has a rich musical heritage that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh folk music:

1. The Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, was written in 1856 by Evan James and his son, James James.

2. The first ever Eisteddfod – a competitive festival of music, song and dance – was held inCardiff in1176.

3. The oldest surviving musical manuscript in Wales dates back to the 13th century and containsparticulars of a harp contest that took place at the Eisteddfod of Carmarthen in 1252.

4. In 1893, Sir Arthur Sullivan – best known for composing the Gilbert & Sullivan light operas – wrote an operetta called The Rose of Persia, which featured Welsh-themed tunes such as ‘My Little Welsh Home’and ‘The Radiant Moon Has Risen’.

5. One of the most popular Welsh folk songs is Hen Gymru (Old Wales), which was written in 1924by Dafydd Iwan and presidential nominee for Plaid Cymru (the Party of Wales) in 1999.

6. Another well-known Welsh tune is Sosban Fach (Little Saucepan), which was composed by blind harpist John Parry in the 19th century and later used as the basis for Manic Street Preachers’ song ‘Little Baby Nothing’.

7. In 1967, Bryn Terfel made his operatic debut at the age of 11 as Mordred in Camelot at Llandudno’s North Wales Theatre Royal – he would go on to become one of the world’s most celebrated bass-baritones.

Welsh Folk Music is an Important Part of Welsh Culture

Welsh folk music has been an important part of Welsh culture for centuries. Here are 10 fun facts about Welsh folk music:

1. Folk music has been an important part of Welsh culture for centuries.
2. The earliest known mention of Welsh folk music dates back to the 12th century.
3. Folk music was an important part of the eisteddfod, a competitive musical festival that was first held in Wales in 1176.
4. Welsh folk music includes a wide variety of musical genres, including ballads, dances, love songs, and drinking songs.
5. Many famous Welsh musicians have played a role in popularizing Welsh folk music, including David Bowie, Tom Jones, and Shirley Bassey.
6. The most famous Welsh folk song is “All through the Night” (“Blaenwern”), which was composed in the 18th century by Reverend Thomas Evans.
7. “ Gwahoddiwch fi mewn! ” (“Welcome me in!”) is a traditional Welsh folksong that is often sung at weddings and other celebrations.
8. “ Calon Lân ” (“A Pure Heart”) is a popular Welsh hymn that was composed in the 19th century by Evan James and John Roberts.
9 . The first ever National Eisteddfod was held in Cardiff in1858 .
10 . Today, there are dozens of eisteddfodau held each year across Wales , as well as many other festivals and events that feature Welsh folk music .