A Nation Sings - Gymanfa Ganu 1963

"A Nation Sings" Five Thousand Voices at the Royal Albert Hall.
Side one:
Diadem 00:26
Trewen 04:42
Aberystwyth 08:30
Llef 11:34
Calon Lan 14:53
Sanctus 18:25
Side two:
Cwm Rhondda 22:30
Builth 26:10
Rachie 29:20
Mae d'eisiau di bob awr 33:03
Bryn Calfaria 37:15
Rhyd y Groes 39:46
Crimond 45:07

[@expat1250090]

Recorded in 1963. Who's still listening in 2023? Some hymns are simply timeless. Bless these Welsh voices, many of whom have passed through the veil and are now singing along with the Angels around the Great White Throne for all eternity!

[@kathiebrobeck3426]

I owned this LP. Thank God it's still available.

[@marklemon9446]

I had this sent to me by Americans friends who also came from Neath and I love it.I was 3 when this was recorded; Fantastic!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@philiplewis7252]

I am! I think that this recording is absolutely wonderful.

[@ReverendHowl]

Great White . . . . ? Canu am y gwaed? Contiau sic.

[@elizabethoconnor-lewis928]

I am enjoying the voices of my childhood vallies and homeland, there is no other singing like this in the World, you don't appreciate all what you have until you leave all behind and move on God Bless

[@sopisl45]

I am a Korean and do not understand a single word of Wesh but enjoy to listen the most powerful,anointed and beatiful Welsh hymns anyway. May God visit the Wales once again and bless Wales like in 1903.

[@duddlf25]

Good!

[@davedayes329]

Consider yourself an honorary Welshman!

[@sopisl45]

Dave Dayes I am honored to be called a honorary Welshman. We as Koreans owe your country tremendous debts of love. In 1866 a 27 years old Welshman named Robert Jermain Thomas from Llanover came to Pyeong Yang, the present capital city of North Korea as a missionary on USS General Sherman and sacrificed his life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On the fertile ground of the his martyrdom, once the heathen nation of Korea now have flourished and blessed by Christianity. I am planning to visit Wales in the near future to join many Korean Christians who have travelled there as pilgrims and trace my Christian heritage. God bless Wales!

[@mariej2328]

@@sopisl45 It is 7 years later, I hope you managed to visit. God Bless you.

[@margaretharypkema9290]

@@sopisl45 That was wonderful to read!!

[@panplano266]

My Grandad Evan Griffiths was a top tenor before the war. After the war, his voice was gone and he used to listen and weep when he couldn't hit the high notes (all the time encouraging - GO ON BOYS). My Father were both second tenors that sang in a choir, this music is in my heart and flows through my veins and fills my soul. They have both gone but are always close when I listen to this. Diolch

[@revpgesqredux]

God bless you brother 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿♾️🥰✝️

[@user-zg2ni2bp1j]

It is 2024 and the music is still relevant. Maybe it’s my age (80) that makes it relevant to me. I think it’s because of the message. Some things carry a timeless message.

[@jonathanmorgan1793]

We may not have been in Chapel for many a year. .....but it will never leaves us, even if we.left it.

[@margaretdavies3333]

Welsh singing aways reduces me to tears. My Husband was Welsh. I am, way back but mostly Irish Scot. This is so beautiful. Thank you. Margaret in Australia.

[@trainmanbob]

I was there near the front and I have the LP in my hand right now. I was 11 years old!!!!!!

[@frankjones9024]

I.m 72 now, and Welsh from Llangollen. I was 11 when I sang in the Eisteddfod in the town. All Welsh, like this, and I have lovely memories of my heritage. Frank in Bristol.

[@velindawm9987]

So what is the story behind this recording? I grew up in California listening this this beautiful record, often put to sleep with it playing.

[@musiconthursdays8370]

My parents attended this event, my Dad struggling with the Welsh texts, and my Mum totally in her element. We will include Llef, her favourite hymn, in the music for her funeral on Nov 10 2023. How lovely to tell the younger generations that their grandparents and great-grandparents sang as part of the congregation on this recording. My own pronunciation of Welsh words comes from repeating the beautifully recited first verses in this record - yes, of course they bought the LP ! Such wonderful memories this invokes. Peter Glyndwr Steadman

[@LizBehjat-to6ic]

My parents were also part of the congregation. We played Llef at Dad’s funeral in 1997. They both spoke fluent Welsh even though Dad was from the South (Tylorstown) and Mum was from Denbigh in the North. Whenever I miss them is listen to this. I also have the vinyl.

[@jeffwilliams4937]

This is the pinnacle of Welsh hymn singing, it will never be surpassed!

[@tonywatson4979]

I have been playing this recording for over 45 years. It never fails to thrill me. I am not Welsh, just a "wannabe". HWYL FAWR.

[@kathiebrobeck3426]

me too !

[@philiplewis7252]

I think that this is a truly exemplary recording Tony! I have never heard a better example of congrational singing.

[@Caramac68]

I can't describe how this stirs me

[@annierosebud]

I was brought up in the 1950's along with my older brother. Our father, his 2 brothers and both their parents all spoke Welsh as a first language. In fact when I knew my grandad and when he wasn't a miner: my grandad preached in Welsh as he was a vicar. Our dad always defied convention amd government policy; it wasn't accepted to speak Welsh in those days. But my dad taught us in school on the sly and I'll never forget what he and his dad my grandfather did just trying to save our language. My dad died in my arms in March 1982, his son: my brother died Oct 2013 and I'm nursing my 90 year old mother who has Alzheimers. We are Welsh to the core and damn proud. !!!!

[@cheowlaywee]

+Carol Jones O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau

[@richardjonesm]

+Carol Jones And now we are the strongest resurgent minority language in the world. And we go from strength to strength. The 1950's are way behind us.

[@annierosebud]

eich bod mor gywir

[@donaldedward4951]

+Carol Jones And so you should be. There`s a special place in heaven for your Dad. There were those however who remembering the attitude of the English and the infamous "Welsh Not" thought that bringing kids up in Welsh would give then a poor start in life. All that is history now.

[@annierosebud]

My mum died last October 2016, just days after my brother died 2 years previously. There's a special place for all 3 of them. By the way; the Romans employed the Welsh to teach their children - what does that say to you Donald. I so remember what you just said about Welsh and a poor start. Let's not forget the coal mines owned by the English who got fat and wealthy on the backs of those who struggled with poverty and died in the mines. Lord Beaufort got FILTHY rich on the backs of my ancestors - the real truth of what happened is actually appalling. I have a personal accounts from my late grandfather. x

[@johnbartlett8702]

Diolch yn fawr!! Goosebumps and tears. I can remember playing this on my parent's Dansette record player many, many years ago. What tunes, what words, what feeling. This is what it is like to sing your heart out with hwyl!!

[@MikeKrumlauf1]

I'm not Welsh nor do I understand Welsh but I wept like a baby when first heard "Diadem". A foretaste of heaven....

[@ianto247]

what about trewen and Aberystwyth? Beautiful ....I hope this sort of singing is waiting for me in heaven....where has it gone to on this earth?!

[@waltertaljaard1488]

I have the same with ''Mae d'eislau di bob awr'' (33.03). Most beautiful hymn I EVER heared. Even beats Russian Orthodox choirs, Dutch psalmsinging with ''bovenstem'' and sacred harp.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

Mike Krumlauf Am 100% with you!!

[@LeannaLoomer]

My grandfather was Welsh and a first generation American. I visited Wales in 1969. It was a wonderful experience to go there. While visiting there, a neighbor of our hostess came over and sang us beautiful Welsh songs. His name was Hugh Jones. Jones was also the maiden name of my great-grandmother, an immigrant with her widowed father from Wales.

[@LeannaLoomer]

Hugh Jones Evans.

[@martinvanzyl4454]

Surely one of the very best renderings of beautiful Welsh hymns/songs/items ever recorded. As a South African and admirer of the Welsh, my wife, Wilhelmien, and I really enjoy and appreciate the fantastic contents of this beautifully compiled album. What a privilege to be able to relax and to listen to these tremendous synchronized voices. God bless each and every participant and honoured listener.

[@philiplewis7252]

I completely agree. This is a truly wonderful recording. Oh,to have been there!!

[@bcs993]

I'm also from South Africa and I hope you and yours keep enjoying this music out of our world. The Welsh people inspired me to keep going even when I wanted to give up. Really hoping you guys see this and still doing well despite our own challenges of load shedding, etc.. All I can say is, Cymru am Byth, they shall do well and inspire us to move away from our own challenges.

[@larrydykes7643]

Wow I keep coming back to this. That the land has such people in it, and so many, is a reason to learn Welsh. I know the words of most of these now, but I choke up at the beauty of the faith powering the voices.

[@ellajoseph284]

I was born in Swansea to Australian parents. I grew up (in Australia) listening to the LP over and over, absolutely love it even though I speak no Welsh, but the copy has disappeared. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting it. I played it for dad recently - he now has Alzheimer’s and communication’s difficult, but when he heard it his face just lit up. Thank you again.

[@elizabethsohler6516]

Glad to know this music brought your dad joy. The Welsh sing beautifully, but they cannot spell!😀 Then again , since I'm a Yank, and don't speak Welsh, perhaps it's me that can't spell!

[@MOGGS1942]

@@elizabethsohler6516 Americans can't spell in English let alone Welsh. Lol.

[@Moni-xb7hl]

3 seconds and i got tears in my eyes

[@ianclarke1852]

My mum owned this record. The greatest words, greatest singing and greatest music. A truly moving experience. Brings tears to my eyes. No one sings hymns like the Welsh.

[@peterdavies632]

I had this LP back in the 70's but unfortunately it was lost during a move to France in 2006. have just found it here on U tube. have had tears and a lump in my throat for the last 45 minutes. nearing 75 now and living with 3rd bout of cancer. so much comfort in this special musical occasion. have many cd's etc of welsh choirs male and female joint but the gymanfa ones are the most memorable. Peter.

[@melvynbranson7204]

Good luck with the cancer Peter. I've still got the oridinal, my Grandmother and I used to sing to it, Grandfather was a lay preacher, I empathise with your tears and throat lump.

[@nigelgreenman6955]

On sunday afternoons back in the 70's I would pick up my aunt from her nursing home in Crickhowell and bring her back to the family home at Abergavenny. She would sit in the front room with this record playing through the wall speakers. It brought her such happiness ; in her mind she was back in the little chapel at Heol Senni singing her heart out with those she loved...

[@marciamcgrail5889]

Bless you for your loving efforts towards your aunt, Nigel - I pray that my own nephew would be as generous with his time and love when I am consigned to a nursing home.

[@pjottrvb9926]

I studied at Swansea Bible College of Wales This is a treasure to me as through this music I have so many beautiful memories So glad I found this one here Maraming salamat po and God Belss

[@shawnbishop3871]

My grandmother is from Wrecsam and even though I am a proud native Texan, I am extremely proud of my Welsh heritage and connection. The Welsh Language is one of the most beautiful in the world.

[@afrocymro]

+Shawn Bishop My dad could remember when the station sign read 'Gwrecsam'. How time have changed

[@craiganderson6103]

I was so happy to stumble upon this music. As a youth I had the great privilege to live and go to school in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. I loved the time I spent in that wonderful place. I made many great friends. It is a breathtaking beautiful and charming country, and the people are warm, kind and friendly. Nowhere else in the world can everyone sing with such beauty and feeling. Honestly, it's absolutely amazing to hear the Welsh sing their National Anthem. It still brings all my emotions to the surface even after over fifty years. I can honestly say that the time I spent in Wales was some of my life's happiest. I still yearn for those days. If you are Welsh, and if you read this, please, please know what an impact the kindness, warmth and friendliness of your people made upon this Yankee! May God bless you all.

[@petrasant5495]

Greetings from Merthyr Craig. God Bless you and your loved ones.

[@craiganderson6103]

@@petrasant5495 Thank you Petra. Best wishes from Dallas, Texas! Craig Anderson

[@michaeljones9327]

God bless from Merthyr, Craig. Love these hymns. We sang them as kids in Cyfarthfa Castle Grammar School. Merthyr has such a wonderful rich history.

[@lawrencecaswell7156]

God bless our American friends, best wishes from a Rhymney Valley boy.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Trancelvania100]

The only long playing record that gives me goosebumps throughout it's entirety. nothing else comes close.

[@glynparry3998]

What an amazing sound. Nothing sounds like a Welsh mixed voices choir. With the demise of Chaples this will never be heard love again. I sing in a male voice choir 50 strong . What an experience! Thanks for bringing tears to a pair of old eyes. Call it nostalgia. Lpvely.

[@redleg56]

Go ye to Delta, PA for a start. The Capel there is keeping this going.

[@allnations360]

What can I say.

[@ruthengle1810]

What a JOY to discover this now at age 80! I grew up in Youngstown, OH in a predominantly Welsh community. Welsh Club and Gymanfas were an important part of life and I’m sure led to my life-long love of music. I’m following this music along with my father’s Gymanfa book that he took to each singing. Such a blessing.

[@johndavies9589]

There was something uniquely resonant about Welsh voices back them. My late father had this record, amongst the Welsh Male Voice Choir records that he used to play over and over and cry to, drunk or sober. I was sick of their melancholy rumbling then, but hunger to be back there to hear them with him again now. He left Wales to work in the Kent coalfields and met my mother there after returning from the Merchant Navy in WW2. He missed the land of his fathers and his youth, no matter how pitilessly hard they had been. Sometimes he was soft as Kentish chalk, sometimes hard as Welsh anthracite. Sometimes he was a gentle as a brook, sometimes he could blow like firedamp. Because I was half English and not tough like him half of me was always a disappointment to him, but he was my Dad, and my best friend, and he loved me, and I loved him, and always will.

[@SianHarris]

Beautifully put ❤

[@katethomas3509]

The uniqueness was simply the coal dust in the lungs ,it gave a huskiness a sound a resonance.

[@BriIsTheFinestCheese]

my grandfather is somewhere in there and I didn't think I was going to get emotional listening to this but here I am crying!!

[@marklemon9446]

I don't blame you one bit; its epic and the very soul of Wales👍. Greetings from Neath✊

[@annmccarthy177]

In the early 1970s I worked with an archaeology crew in western Ireland. (I'm American.) The head archaeologist had this record, and he played it constantly in the evenings. I had never heard anything like it before, and I loved it. I don't believe I have any Welsh ancestors, but this music really moves me. Thanks for posting it.

[@martinwj]

Listened to this with my mum the night before she died in Bronglais a few years ago. Tears all round.

[@viscalaterra1973]

I remember my grandmother singing Joseph Parry when she only had a few days left in the Royal Glamorgan in Llantrisant a few years ago too. These hymns used to bring a real blessing to so many. Take care!

[@owencameron-hayes2838]

My Mum would play this very record loud and proud when alone into her later years. In the days before her passing I was able to play this posting as she lay quiet in her hospital bed.

[@elizabethsohler6516]

This was one of my mother's very favorite records. She loved the reading of the Welsh text tho' we didn't speak a word of it. It was always moving to hear.

[@jonathanmorgan1793]

When I go from this life I want this LP to be last I hear.....

[@ianramsay138]

I just found this! Thank you, thank you for this, I am in tears every time I play it. Nawr rydyn ni'n gwybod pam mae'r angylion yn canu yn Gymraeg! (Now we know why the angels sing in Welsh!) Nothing is more joyous than Rachi, nothing sadder than Liyf, nothing is braver than Bryn Calfaria, nothing more of the Welsh mind than Canon Lan. I will be sent to Jesus while they sing Cwm Rhondda.

[@siantara1]

Allai ddim siarad Cymreag ond - I love Gwaloddiad. Amen. Amen. AMEN.

[@tonywatson4979]

You have expressed my own feelings re Welsh hymn singing in particular. Thank you.

[@ianramsay138]

​@@siantara1 It is very beautiful and almost always sung in Welsh. I love it too.

[@levicopp3224]

May the LORD bless you and fulfill you

[@robbdavies7749]

These hymns are deep in the soul of the , Welsh .today,tomorrow, and eternity ❤

[@marklemon9446]

Da iawn butty, well said🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿. Greetings from Castell-Nedd

[@Safra62]

Oh, I have been so fortunate to find this gem! I'm German and love the Welsh hymns so much! We Germans have a deep sitting problem with a bit pomp and pathos due to our history. I think thus I love the natural way of their singing in big groups and the effortless pathos of the Welsh so much!

[@Safra62]

@@ianedwards7862 ❤

[@jacquelinejob2766]

Thank you from S Wales.

[@bazthehandyman]

Fantastic.....a sound long gone now.Reminds me of the singing in the Welsh chapels when I was young.There was in-built harmony,and a passion for singing that came from the miners and singing around the piano.

[@margaretharypkema9290]

The Welsh hymn tunes are just so wonderful and moving! ❤️

[@bcs993]

What wonderful music! Listening to this from a gloomy South Africa. Trust me, the welsh people and their song have kept me going. Please keep this up. You guys inspired me to get through very personal tough times of my own. May the nation of Cymru never stop singing! Much respect from South Africa, wherever our respective nations may meet each other in the Rugby World Cup.

[@josephwalliker6162]

Llongyfarchiadau mawr am ti'n ennill erbyn Seland Newydd! Many congratulations on the win in the final! While we may be divided on the rugby pitch, there are people in Wales and South Africa who share a unity of faith in the Lord these hymns were written to glorify. Regardless of faith, sending hwyl and good wishes from across the oceans!

[@roberthudson3386]

Congratulations to De Affrica on their deserved victory, llongyfarchiadau!

[@bcs993]

Diolch yn fawr iawn, o De Affrica. Hope I got that right! As I'm sure you saw this week, for us this win means a bit more than just a game. I'd also like to mention how our captain chose to take an interview with the Welsh TV channel before anyone else. Kind of confirms your comment - our nations do have so much in common, across cultural lines. I honestly hope the Rugby in your country improves building up to 2027, may the rest of the world hear "Hymns and areas" sung loud and proud! Lastly, I hope to one day be able to learn and speak your beautiful language. Cymru Am Byth!

[@stevecaldecott9533]

So proud to be a Welshman truly inspiring

[@charlesdavis7087]

One of the most magical moments in the recorded history of Music.

[@stuttynortham8491]

Up there with Solti's Ring Cycle for me.

[@purcellsb]

Would love to have been in the middle of this hall as they sang.

[@philiplewis7252]

I completely agree Shelby! What an experience that would have been!! Sadly,I don't believe that we will see,or hear this kind of congregational singing again.

[@dewihigham9786]

"the nation sang" .. and may yet sing again, by God's mercy and grace

[@expat1250090]

During the Welsh Revival of 1904, allegedly ten percent of the Welsh population repented of their sins in five months. 2 Chronicles 7:14. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Heavenly Father, pour out YOUR SPIRIT on the nation of Wales again and heal our land! Amen!

[@125jonah]

My father was Welsh but moved in England. We listened to singing every Sunday evening on the radio for my first 10 years of my life. It left me with a deep sense of the beauty of the Language and what extraordinary voices can do with it.

[@timwilliams5920]

May a mighty wind of heaven blow once again over the land , from Swansea, up through the valleys, up past Snowdon, to Bala to Colwyn Bay. May that Gale fall upon the hearts of my beloved Welsh, tuning their hearts anew for Him who loved them and gave himself for them.

[@lindajones9442]

Won't lovely.time Mrs Jones god bleee,,, 💕

[@BRIEFPresentations]

Thanks for posting this. I also grew up with this record as a regular accompaniment to our London Sunday mornings in the 1960's. My father's family was from West Wales but he grew up in London at a time when the chapels were full every Sunday. A real community singing together and worshipping together. Listening to it brings tears to my eyes.

[@jonathanmorgan1793]

When my end of life pathway comes. I want this playing on a loop. I was born a Welsh Baptist.... I may not have lived my life as a Welsh Baptist... But.... I will DIE as a Welsh Baptist!!!

[@iangwyon1790]

Music and time, unfortunately never to be repeated.The strong sound of woman and men singing together. It takes me back to going to chapel with my dad Granville Gwyon in Trehafod, in the Rhondda Valley, now turned into flats. Every song tugs at my heart, to go back to that time aged 7, when I would run back to the house with him for Sunday lunch.

[@CelticMorning]

Also a Rhondda boy when, as my Dad always maintained, the miners were the salt of the earth. Mam was a Hafod girl went regularly to St Barnabus up on tump and I spent many hours there when the Lewis Merthyr was in production,now a mining museum. My uncle was killed there by a roof fall.Dad was non conformist to his boot laces but both he and mam loved the old Welsh singing. Remember the old radio programme called Welsh Half Hour? Hymn singing from the soul.Hafod was flooded regularly in those days. 86 now but still honour those days, those people. Sometimes tthink we have gone backward over the years from the days of integrity.Always remembered fondly. My son used to go to school with a girl named Gwyon, good friends,both played flute in the same orchestra. West Walian now, slowly losing its Welsh speaking population unfortunately. Cant speak the language myself, no memory to learn it now.

[@petelosuaniu]

There is a Samoan congregational christian church hymn to the tune of the first hymn on this recording: "Vivi'i atu ia i lo tatou Ali'i" (Praise unto our Lord)

[@jonibarnett2915]

[@williamgrant9303]

EXCELLENT! EXCELENT! EXCELLENT! I had this record which I bought many years ago in London and I have recorded it, but this version is wonderful. Beautiful Hymns, Beautiful Tunes. Wonderfu Choir. And I know mos of these hymns but in English obviously. Thank you very much. William Grant, from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@TheSusanification]

I grew up with this recording and the next one from 1964. My mother's father was Welsh and my mum conducted choirs. The enthusiasm, devotion and love of singing are so present in this recording and I cry every time I hear it because it is so wonderfully human and musical. I love the sense of community and spirit united, and the repetition of the chorus in cwm rhondda just because they are so filled with joy. Thank you so much for posting this. I still have the records but haven't transferred them to CD. Such a treat! On a sadder note, my mum's younger sister, the last of three is dying and we wanted to send her a recording of the Welsh hymns, so I googled this and just found it. We are hoping it eases her way.

[@davidharris1562]

So did I, my Uncle Glan used to play them in the front room every Sunday afternoon, then go to sing in the chapel in the evening, now in my late 50's I appreciate this music more, I can only "Siriad Gymraeg Tippnen Fach", to my shame, considering my Nain spoke only Gymraeg.

[@isiteckaslike]

Bendigedig! / Brilliant! I love this so much. It reminds me of happy times in my teens in Lampeter. I now care for a relative who suffered a severe stroke two years ago which has taken away his ability to drive, read, write, see clearly, wiped much of his memory and he can hardly walk any distance without becoming breathless and often finds it difficult to understand things properly. However, his hearing still works perfectly, and I know that his mum used to sing these hymns as she went about the house so I thought he might like to hear them. Well, the reaction was immediate. He welled up with tears that just would not stop! He loved it so much and said it brought back such wonderful, happy, memories of his mother. It was only after the first hymn that I remembered, and told him, that today is Mother's Day! Thank you so much for posting this. It has made my relative's day, and what a fitting tribute to his beautiful mother, Jenny (R.I.P.), unfortunately gone but most definitely not forgotten.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

Everything about this moves and stirs my innermost being...It only will be surpised in the World to come ❤️

[@christopherenston4072]

Inspirational singing! As an organist in London’s Welsh chapels 2005-2013, I met several of the people who sang at this Cymanfa Ganu. I would love to have played the organ for this! Canu bendigedig!

[@donaldwilliams4807]

I grew up with this album. It is the music of Heaven!!

[@MOGGS1942]

Been to heaven, have you ? What number bus did you catch ?

[@Trancelvania100]

Me too

[@revpgesqredux]

And Cymraeg the language of Heaven

[@revpgesqredux]

​@@MOGGS1942Jesus' and only His

[@elunedrussell5342]

Wonderful singing. I had the LP of this many years ago but it is much scratched so to be able to access it via KZbin is fantastic. As a child of Welsh parents this is for me a gift without price. Thanks to whoever uploaded it . Diolch!

[@clivejones86]

My Taid bought this LP, shortly after it was released. We used to listen to the hymns, over and over again. I have searched for years, trying to find a copy, to be able to listen to the beautiful music again. This brings back wonderful memories of a great man, whose influence over my life, was so positive and profound!

[@CelticMorning]

I managed to source this record and had a few CD's made from it which I gave to people who I knew would appreciate it. I'm getting on now but remember listening to Welsh Half Hour during the war years on the BBC, a programme of Welsh hymn singing.About forty years ago I was at the Albert Hall for one of the massed voices concerts and my son played in the orchestra with one grand ma there to see it. Infortunately my parents had passed by then but life is full of good memories of them. I also have a record of that concert and if I can help you with copies I would be glad to do so. Rhondda boy me but further into Welsh west Wales these days.

[@mariehay1342]

WOW! WOW! WOW! from New Zealand..the most beautiful singing in the world from the most beautiful singers in the world from Wales

[@ukmrx]

Bendigedig. Utterly wonderful. I'm not sure such gravity in these songs of paise could be achieved 50 years later.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

ukmrx I fear you’re right....

[@paulevans6514]

If you are not affected in the v. best of ways by this singing, also deeply moved. Respectfully I suggest, check your pulse. O bydded i'r heniath parhau ! God bless you all .

[@margaretharypkema5714]

paul evans couldn’t agree more!!

[@Daniel-jl6fb]

Music to stir the blood and raise the spirit, truly wonderful.

[@owencameron-hayes2838]

Mum was born in Cardiff and would listen to this LP with the volume turned up as loud as she dared. On September 5, 2017 as I sat with her in the hospital just 8 days before she passed into Glory, I played this for her and listened as she sang along with Calon Lan. A Pure Heart she now has. A blessed memory of the final time I would be with her. Calon Lan and Cwm Rhondda and others like Blaenwern (not included on this recording) evoke deep emotion, it is Bryn Calfaria that makes my heart tremble with gravitas. Thank You!!!

[@rachelhenderson2688]

Calon Lan is my favourite,.Although I don't speak Welsh, the beauty of it transcends language

[@pauljay1515]

Llef for me! No dry eyes in the house.

[@kathiebrobeck3426]

My deepest music, also. The Descant kills me.

[@trevordixon6887]

I listen to this at least twice a month,often more. I am not Welsh but Yorkshire born. My late father and I used to sing together in various choirs and loved the Welsh Hymns we used to sing. Dad passed over 42 years ago and I miss him still (I am 75) These hymns bring all the memories flooding back and I often have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.Thank you for adding this to youtube. Cymru am Byth.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

I'm Dutch and know just how you feel Trevor, much of what you say I can repeat ..💐

[@kathiebrobeck3426]

@@margaretharypkema5714 I'm Scotch/Swedish, but at least part Celt. Nothing stronger in music.

[@marklemon9446]

You have a mountain in Yorkshire called Pen y Ghent so a part of Wales is always close👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@cymru507]

It seems that this recording was a large part of many childhoods. My mother is Welsh from Betws y Coed and her father sang in many choirs throughout North Wales. Music is a large part of my heritage as it is for all Welsh men and women. I fell in love with this recording in 1965 and with 6,000 Voices recorded in 1964, also at RAH, but in the process of growing up, they were waylaid. It was only about 10 years ago that I was able to find and purchase an original LP of this concert. It will always be one of my favourite treasures. Thank you.

[@sopisl45]

Even though I don't understand the welsh this always stirs my heart as in the days of my childhood in my little church in Korea.

[@mariannehancock8282]

I wonder if you are influenced by the story of the Welsh missionary martyred in Korea in the 19th century.

[@sopisl45]

@@mariannehancock8282 Of course. Robert Jermain Thomas, martyred at 27 years old in Pyongyang, North Korea in 1866 was a seed of Korean Church and Pyongyang Revival in 1907. We are ever so grateful to him and Wales that gave one of their sons for us. Thank you!

[@mariannehancock8282]

@@sopisl45 Croeso. You're welcome. I have an idea Robert Jermain Thomas attended the church in Abergavenny, Wales, where I now live, but I'm not sure. Cofion cynnes o Gymru

[@theo4701]

I grew up with this long playing record being played again and again by my beloved father as we celebrated our Welsh links and heritage on the southern tip of Africa - and as I and my Welsh wife still do. These words and tunes will resonate with me forever.

[@loisfleming5857]

I haven't heard this magnificent LP in decades - I'm so thrilled to encounter it again! This is the singing of heaven.

[@helengriffiths9122]

Incredible! My father's cousin is singing and probably one of the few still with us!

[@arthursamuel78]

I believe this is the best singing I have heard till now....as mentioned in another comment these people will be singing along side with angels now praising God

[@margaretharypkema5714]

vijay kumar I believe that too!! Earthly praise doesn’t get better!

[@susanvernon4642]

I'm sitting here in the Dominican Republic listening to this, reminds me of many Gymanfa Ganu I used to go to as a child back in North Wales, hiraeth go iawn!

[@michaelpattison8543]

Tyrd adra 'te! Mae Cymru d'angen di.

[@Creasy5678]

I love this so much. Always loved a good Welsh singalong as good as this.

[@lynryall1317]

Not a sing-along man bloody passionate with a heartfelt love of Welsh ..behave

[@Creasy5678]

@@lynryall1317 Er, behave? I know it is a full-on singing session for those who love Welsh, while I loved the singing. I enjoyed it for what it is. Is there something else I should know?

[@DavidJones-yq2fu]

I never ever get tired of welsh hymn singing, its in your soul, it amazes me how you remember the words all these years, I am now 80. waw how old is that. Keep on singing.

[@richardrowlands7133]

This beautiful record we had in our family and each Easter the local Gymanfa joined together the voices of a few chapels in which we with joy took part. The singing is of the pinnacle of instinctive spirit in our language and unmatched. We have only to listen again and know that it is the very "bread of heaven". Diolch byth !

[@jeanspoors2494]

Wales forever god bless xxxx😂and fond love😅😢❤

[@cristianbowen8736]

My father bought the record in the 1970s inspired by our Welsh ancestry. Unfortunately the album was lost and today I find it on KZbin. Emotional songs that bring back fond memories of my ancestors. Long live wales

[@tudordavies8204]

Hiraeth Christian, Hiraeth.

[@dickduck1192]

I have bought four second hand copies of this record in search of the perfect copy. As a Welshman, it makes your heart want to leap out of your chest.

[@marklemon9446]

This album Link was sent to me by my American friend Richard Green of Pensilvania who's mother is a Tonna girl( Neath) and Dad is from Briton Ferry; it's the most awesome, inspiring chorus ive heard in my 62 years; I'm so, so proud to be Welsh. Diolch Richard.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇺🇸

[@lynryall1317]

DU DU mun ❤❤❤

[@elisabethcassar4792]

Midnight in south of France,2017....m'y love for dark âges and welsh choirs bring me hère.Sad to be nor Welsh or Irish woman....what a beautiful language !!!! Give me chills.

[@ericholt5954]

God has blessed us with multiple tongues!

[@meiklesquare]

I was born in 1956 and will never forget the first time my father took me to Murrayfield for a Welsh game. The Welsh still like to sing and sing well but at that time there were 30-40,000 Welshmen there with all the choir training and Chapel going ringing out in their harmonies. I’m sure many then still felt the influence of the 1904-1905 revival, which is reported on KZbin. Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer was sung with feeling then. That would have been a few years after this recording. I like this recording but I love the unaccompanied singing best.

[@fatherglyn]

This is just magnificent - I have just returned from a week's holiday touring North Wales - with this playing and me trying to sing along ( not knowing Welsh is a bit of a handicap). I love the verve of the singing - such joy - so infectious. Thank you for posting this.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

fatherglyn .....I try to lala along, but get choked up too often ...

[@ricdavid7476]

This is Amazing i was 10 at the time of this and it would be another 43 years for me to come to Christ as a man broken by a lifetime of sin. He did not turn me away.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

That's wonderful, praise God! May the Lord bless you and keep you. ...and if this singing already is so beautiful, WHAT will it be like when we praise our God and Saviour in glory!! I'm SO looking forward to that, and I'm sure so are you! a sister in Christ

[@ricdavid7476]

Thank you Margaretha you have the same name as my sister and mother. God bless you

[@margaretharypkema5714]

😊

[@MOGGS1942]

Give us a break.

[@rogerthompson1622]

Amazing - just trawling through KZbin and I come across this the album that I have owned for forty years but have not heard for ages due to lack of a turntable. I have Welsh blood and love this singing. Whilst I respect anyone’s religious views I was taught to never let religion stand in the way of a.good singsong !

[@marciamcgrail5889]

Too right, Roger! Religion kills everything stone dead. It is faith in the LORD Jesus Christ we need, not religion. God bless you.

[@timothydavies459]

Absolutely brilliant. Welsh singing at its best

[@lynryall1317]

2024 a masterpiece xx my nanna used to belt these out ❤❤

[@edsternet]

Thank You for posting this collection of beautiful collection of Welsh gems

[@madgeson]

Utterly thrilling!

[@barbaradoughty4790]

This album is still in my family. I had it transferred to CD and play it regularly. Magical singing.

[@Seinegydd]

This was the record that inspired me (though English) to learn Welsh. | Dyma'r record sy wedi f'ysbrydoli i (er fy mod yn Sais) i ddysgu 'r Gymraeg.

[@alexgabriel5423]

I M P R E S S I V E***An Ancient Nation with an Ancient Tradition in Composition! Respectful Thanks for Sharing with the Planet s inhabitants!

[@MOGGS1942]

Thanks for the appreciation.

[@georgehorwatt5426]

A nation traced back to the Holy Lands...the 10 Tribes of Israel also...

[@alisonkearin2010]

My parents were welsh and we spent all our school holidays sharing time between the two sets of grandparents on either side of the valley (Llangeinor, Garw Valley). My paternal grandmother (Mamgu) died in November 1963 (my younger brother and I lived and went to school here for 4 months) while my mother looked after her - my father and older brother remained in Bristol as they were both working. Afterwards my paternal grandfather (Dadcu Davies) came to live with us and he and my father used to play this LP and sing along with it (Baritone and Tenor). I used to join them which caused a problem in later life as I used to sing the male part until I found my voice Mezzo Soprano like my Mamgu. My older brother has the original LP but I have it on cassette tape but I kept the hymn/word sheet although I can sing most of it from memory. The cassette tape is practically worn out so glad to find this on KZbin. I frequently play it as it takes me back to a time when things were so much more simple and a time of great joy and rememberance and of course being of welsh heritage I play it when I am feeling down as it makes me both happy and sad. I have been living in Portugal for 8 years and although brought up in England, Wales has always and will always be home - home is where the heart is!

[@alisonkearin2010]

And I have to say when Only Boys Aloud did Calon Lan on TV I was in tears - even my husband was wiping his eyes! It was fantastic to see the tradition being carried on.

[@margaretharypkema5714]

Alison Kearin 💐Interesting Alison, thank you! “Mamgu”, I must remember that word... 😃 I just LOVE this singing. I have a real admiration for the Welsh, although I’ve never been there..xx

[@gynack]

Alison Kearin Memories to cherish. My parents were also Welsh, Baptists, and we spent every summer holiday in Wales staying with relatives. For a number of years our stays coincided with Community Hymn Singing in the Baptist Chapel that had been my parents' after the Sunday evening service which would be cut short. People would then arrive from all over and the church would be completely full. After a brief prayer, the real business would start and away we went with the hymns. The singing was always great with lots of people from various choirs who knew the harmonies. The congregation would sit after a hymn, the next one would be announced, the organist would start and up everyone would get for the next hymn. There was an occasional element of spontaneity. Sometimes after a hymn had finished and the congregation sat down, somebody would remain standing and stat singing half way back through the hymn, e.g. verse 3 out of a 5,6, or 6 verse hymn. The organist would pick it up and everybody would juimp up again and join in.

[@TheTonyHussey]

Just wonderful ... a choir of Angels

[@johnellisthomas6630]

Ardderchog. Times have changed with so many Chapels and Churches in Wales closing, very sad. But Christianity gets stronger in other places over the world. God is still in the same place, sadly we have moved further away.

[@MOGGS1942]

Religion --- the curse of humanity.

[@judithtubbstetzlaff6535]

Yma o hyd. There are still quite a few in Gwynedd. I try and make it to capel every Sunday for my weekly dose of hymn singing and thinking about the most important things in life...

[@dianeturner3469]

i'm so pleased to say thati still have this record since 1963 ,one i could never part with

[@beaubarri2243]

@Lyn Ryall. Ditto, Ditto.

[@Knappa22]

I love the first hymn. The tune 'Diadem' is so suited to a Welsh cymanfa - super flow and a good line for the basses.

[@gwyddno1]

The bass line is wonderful. Really makes me wish I could sing

[@suenelson8836]

I had this on vinyl - so thrilled to find it one here!

[@TassyCatthefurry]

yes glorious singing recall playing it as one of my treasured possessions when i first moved to London and missed Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Kingsway Swansea with Rev R Emrys Davies BA Evangelist Pastor,, strong links to Bible College Derwen Fawr Swansea also

[@eilirjones9994]

MAGNIFICENT, I'm listening to this as I have on many occasions on the eve of my Father's Funeral. Shame on the non lI kers. CYMRU AM BYTH!!!"

[@tanyadixon3479]

The men are especially fabulous!❤

[@ldman100]

I love to hear the ladies voices, though all are precious, it reminds me of Mum and her sisters, all sadly gone on now but never, ever forgotten :|

[@lynryall1317]

Without the women there would be no men ...dam it all 😂😂😂 ❤❤❤

[@somersetuk525]

I was born in Swansea, mother is a Parry- Williams, father was in Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1939-46 and if I.m not Welsh...must be a Dutchman >> here's to Dylan Thomas and Emlyn Williams and Rugby. xx

[@elenavanbc]

this is a treasure. thanks for sharing

[@davidmills6916]

I left wales 1999 , moved to thailand 2017, still play and sing along to this. My wife thinks its sad music, i dont.

[@jonathanmorgan1793]

Because it will NEVER leave you...🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@JonathanRedden-wh6un]

It is sad because Wales no longer has a believing majority. The land of revivals needs another.

[@cardinalpuffpuff547]

Brings tears to my eyes, memories of my grandparents, Diolch yn fawr.

[@jonathanmorgan1793]

Totally agree. This is a glimpse of the Welsh Nonconformist Chapel culture that has all but disappeared.

[@jeffwilliams4937]

Brilliant music, some of the best ever Welsh hymns. I was brought up in Nantymoel and often used to go to Gymanfa Ganu in Bridgend with my Nan.

[@starryheid6997]

All Glory To The Lord God Almighty, Beautiful Joyful Angels singing.God Bless all my brothers and sisters ❤

[@MrsPowell91]

This is so beautiful my mamgu loved Gymanfa she passed away last month xx

[@bazthehandyman]

+samantha yvonne ...yes beautiful Samantha..God bless her.

[@0ldw3lshm4n]

+samantha yvonne My dad passed just before xmas. He would have loved this. His favourite was Myfanwy, I was asked if I could sing it at funeral. Bing passionately welsh find all hyms emotional so could not sing it but they played it and I uncontrollably broke down so good was wise not to attempt to sing it :-)

[@revpgesqredux]

hope and pray your family is finding joy and consolation in the aftermath. Love in Christ, pg