Heartstrings, The Welsh Gold Collection, Sain SCD2586

Heartstrings, The Welsh Gold Collection

The harp is the national instrument of Wales, and its popularity is growing. Traditionally, the small Celtic version was the one most used by travelling minstrels and poets, and the form uniquely associated with Wales is the one with three rows of strings, Y Delyn Deires (The Triple Harp). During the last century, the larger “classical” harp took centre stage, with the growth of formal music education. But today, it can be fairly said that all three versions, and others as well, are being played all over the country, as solo instruments and as part of various ensembles and groups.

This collection brings together many of Wales’ finest harpists, performing traditional Welsh melodies which have particular appeal to them. And as with most Welsh experiences, the heart features strongly: “Heartstrings” - affairs of the heart, played with vigour and style, on the strings of the harp!

Tracks –

01 - Pibddawns y mwnci... (Crasdant)

02 - Myfanwy (Dylan Cernyw)

03 - Polcas Llewelyn Alaw (Gwenan Gibbard)

04 - Cadwyn o alawon gwerin (Dafydd Huw)

05 - Cogau Meirion (Robin Huw Bowen)

06 - Y Maerdy... (Delyth Jenkins)

07 - Ar lan y mor (Meinir Heulyn)

08 - Syr Harri Ddu (Elinor Bennett)

09 - Merch Megan (Rhes Ganol)

10 - Ar hyd y nos (Nia Jenkins)

11 - Helfa'r draenog (Robin Huw Bowen)

12 - Nant y mynydd... (Gwenan Gibbard)

13 - Llydaw (Ar Log)

14 - Cader Idris (Elinor Bennett/Meinir Heulyn)

15 - Bugeilio'r gwenith gwyn (Catrin Finch)

16 - Llongau Caernarfon (Meinir Heulyn)

17 - Conset Dafydd ap Gwilym... (Telynau Bro Ystwyth).

Mae poblogrwydd y delyn, offeryn cenedlaethol y Cymry, ar gynnydd, ac y mae pob ffurf ar yr offeryn yn dod yn fwy amlwg yn ein diwylliant fel cenedl. Mae telyn fach y beirdd a’r trwbadwriaid gynt wedi ennill ei phlwy yn ôl, y Deires yn llawer amlycach nag y bu, a’r delyn glasurol a’r Clarsach yn cael eu defnyddio mewn cyd-destun newydd o hyd. Prawf o fywiogrwydd byd y delyn yw’r casgliad hwn, sy’n dwyn ynghyd rhai o delynorion amlycaf Cymru, ar amrywiaeth o offerynnau, yn canu eu hoff alawon Cymreig. Nid damwain a hap yw ein bod yn ymarfer yr ymadrodd “tannau’r galon” – dyma gasgliad sy’n dangos yn glir y cysylltiad agos rhwng dawn y telynor a theimladau dyfnaf y galon. Mwynhewch wledd “caniadau y tannau tyn”.

Traciau -