Ralph Vaughan Williams - Rhosymedre (from Three Preludes on Welsh Hymn Tunes)

This piece was originally written for pipe organ. As usual, in his arrangements of British folk music, Vaughan Williams succeeds here in turning an apparently simple tune into a work of profound emotional impact - for me especially in this orchestral arrangement. Renaissance cadences much in evidence, in this short but sweet work RVW crafts a wistful piece of great beauty. I hope you enjoy it too.
Richard Hickox and the Northern Sinfonia on telling form in this gorgeous EMI recording of 2000: ASIN: B00004TQQ6
The Tune
Composed by John David Edwards (b. Penderlwyngoch, Cardiganshire, Wales, 1805; d. Llanddoget, Denbighshire, North Wales, 1885) was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, England, and ordained an Anglican priest in 1833. He served parishes in Rhosymedre and Llanddoget and published a collection of hymn tunes, Original Sacred Music (2 vols., 1836, 1843), for use in Anglican churches in Wales.
From the Wikipedia entry on RVW:
Peter Ackroyd writes, "If that Englishness in music can be encapsulated in words at all, those words would probably be: ostensibly familiar and commonplace, yet deep and mystical as well as lyrical, melodic, melancholic, and nostalgic yet timeless." Ackroyd quotes music critic John Alexander Fuller Maitland, whose distinctions included editing the second edition of the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians in the years just before 1911, as having observed that in Vaughan Williams's style "one is never quite sure whether one is listening to something very old or very new. His style expresses a deep regard for and fascination with folk tunes, the variations upon which can convey the listener from the down-to-earth (which he always tried to remain in his daily life) to the ethereal. Simultaneously the music shows patriotism toward England in the subtlest form, engendered by a feeling for ancient landscapes and a person's small yet not entirely insignificant place within them."
I took these photos in May and August this year (2012); they are of the C14 Tideswell Church (opening slides); of the Oak Apple Day celebrations at Castleton (about which more below) and of the scenery around Longstone and Little Hucklow - all of which are in the Derbyshire Peak District, England. Of course, Wales (from whose musical heritage this tune derives) has stunning scenery of its own - I just haven't got any decent photos of that marvellous part of Britain, as yet!
As to Oak Apple Day, I have witnessed similar, but religious, street processions in Malta, Italy, Spain and Mexico - and yes even in England at Walsingham, Norfolk: here however, all is secular.
From the official Castleton Website (lots more information): castleton.co.uk/events/
"Oak Apple Day is a special day in the Castleton calendar. It was a national holiday celebrated in England every year on 29th May to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy in Great Britain and Ireland, which occurred in May 1660. Charles II was returned to the throne in 1660 after the brief Cromwellian interlude between 1653 and 1659. In some parts of the country, Oak Apple Day was also known as Shick-Shack Day or Arbour Day. In Castleton, the day is highly anticipated with great fervour. The ancient Castleton ceremony of Garlanding takes place, and is a day of great colour and fun. It is also a time of considerable pageantry, with people dressing in Stuart fashions and choosing to dress as a King or a Queen for the day. On this day each year a huge garland of wildflowers is created and the Castleton 'Garland King and Queen' parade around the village on horseback wearing 17th century dress.
Conductor: Richard Hickox
The Northern Sinfonia
An EMI recording (P) 2000: ASIN: B00004TQQ6

[@ncpiedmontone]

This piece- along with your photos-- reminds me that however crass, ugly or unpleasant the world may seem at times there are still far older, far more beautiful things in it which neither time nor fortune can remove

[@AntPDC]

As to older and more beautiful things, my thoughts entirely. Thank you.

[@steveblanco7494]

This is so very British. It makes me proud.I think of green fields and bygone days I just wish the World could be as calm and beautiful as this.

[@AntPDC]

I sympathise with your wistful reference to "bygone days". And I understand it completely. The good news is that I shot this in 2012, so we can take comfort that rather a lot of our heritage is still intact, vibrant, lovely and still part of our lives, as ever.

[@geraintdodd2733]

This is a welsh hymn tune

[@christhornley1664]

This piece of music by Vaughan Williams is so quintessentially English, and tinged with a kind of romantic melancholy that is evident in a lot of English classical music. Very beautiful and calming, just like the English countryside.

[@Foxychik40]

...except it's Welsh.

[@christhornley1664]

@@Foxychik40 No, Vaughan Williams was an English composer and this composition was inspired by a Welsh hymn tune. And I'm pretty sure the scenes in this video were of the English countryside.

[@ricardussolus]

Absolutely beautiful - I was stressed out today until all went quiet and I listened to this. The ultimate antidote to stress that speaks of England long ago and, unfortunately, forgotten.

[@johnmh1000]

At the risk of speaking against you and with apologies, not, for some of us, forgotten. I know exactly what you mean, this is a stress buster of the first water. Thanks to RVW.

[@geraintdodd2733]

This is a Welsh hymn tune written by the Vicar of Rhosymedre parish Church which is two miles from where I live. It is absolutely exquisite

[@AntPDC]

Thank you Geraint. I provide this for completeness and shall place it in my Description: John David Edwards (b. Penderlwyngoch, Cardiganshire, Wales, 1805; d. Llanddoget, Denbighshire, North Wales, 1885) was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, England, and ordained an Anglican priest in 1833. He served parishes in Rhosymedre and Llanddoget and published a collection of hymn tunes, Original Sacred Music (2 vols., 1836, 1843), for use in Anglican churches in Wales.

[@geraintdodd2733]

@@AntPDC thank you for your research. I remember sing welsh words to this hymn when I was a boy. The tune is absolute sublime. He certainly put Rhosymedre on the map. Diolch o galon, Thank you.

[@AntPDC]

@@geraintdodd2733 Roedd yn bleser Geraint. Mae'n rhaid mai'r fersiwn Gymraeg o hyn oedd danteithion i'w chanu. Dymuniadau gorau, Anthony

[@geraintdodd2733]

@@AntPDC unwaith eto diolch.

[@johnames6946]

THANKING YOU FOR THE POSTING OF THIS VIDEO FEATURING THE MUSIC OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS. HEARING HIS RHOSYMEDRE (THREE PRELUDES ON A WELSH HYMN) MAKES ME THINK OF DERBYSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK WHERE ONE CAN VISUALLY WITNESS SOME OF ENGLAND'S MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. I SIMPLY LOVE ENGLAND'S BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES.

[@BrucknerMotet]

I too grasp the early pangs of regret at not-having-discovered such and such audio treasures upon experiencing them for the first time. But what I can tell you with not a wisp of feigned anything is that the real-time rewards of the fresh experience of discovery permanently eclipses even the most microscopic shred of regret, and leaves nothing but warmth and sunrises.

[@saporola]

The most beautiful music on this earth.

[@morgylyn]

I cannot thank you enough for all the pleasure, joy and solace you have given to me over the years. Your music and your wonderful photographs kept me sane while I lived in London, even if I did shed a tear now and then. Now that I live in the beautiful Shropshire countryside your magic still works for me. Bless you, for your hard work, patience and generosity.

[@AntPDC]

+bella How kind of you bella donna. I, too, adore Shropshire and its countryside. I used to go cycling there. I recall many happy days in Shropshire: wild horses on the Long Mynd and as a young teen reading the books of Malcolm Saville ("Lone Pine Mystery series") - many of them centred on beautiful Clun and its immediate area. O how I loved his books! I'm glad that you have arrived home.

[@AntPDC]

I found your comment most touching: there can be no greater compliment to any poster here than to have inspired interest in lesser-known works of music, and indeed the Peak District of England. It has always been my goal in this. Thanks so much and my best wishes to you.

[@waynewrightevans9007]

This piece is so precious to me i have great difficulty in listening to it without the tears coming Thank you for all your videos Ant they are so appreciated

[@1RobertCEvans1]

It's great to discover someone else who loves VW's music. Thanks for sharing this.

[@christophernunn943]

RWV seems to have the unique gift of opening up and exposing the very soul of the English landscape and all living in it. Pathos drama and fragility. A truly wonderful experience. Thank you so much for this

[@AntPDC]

...and thank you Christopher, for your sensitive comment.

[@christophernunn943]

AntPDC Of course it's RVW have just noticed error. For what it's worth though, anyone who loves the English countryside and can sense this link will never tire of the tremendous emotional journey into which this particular piece takes you.... very appropriate pictures may I add. Thanks again

[@AntPDC]

Christopher Nunn A real pleasure Christopher.

[@AntPDC]

+Ben Cobley Please read the Title. It couldn't be plainer :)

[@AntPDC]

+Ben Cobley My photographs here are of the English countryside, so Christopher's observations are perfectly valid in the context of RVW's compositions as a whole. And BTW, I love the Welsh countryside too - I just haven't had any recent opportunity to photograph its glory. Best wishes.

[@glynnwright1699]

This music reminds me so much of the area around Oswestry on the English/Welsh border leading into Snowdonia. An area which I often visited as a child and, fittingly, close to Rhosymedre.

[@emerybayblues]

Heard this today while at work. Made whatever I was doing less stressful.

[@brandonkim7931]

Listening to this with the visuals makes me want to live in the British countryside or some countryside in Europe. It’s such a beautiful piece of music

[@AntPDC]

Thank you Brandon. As you say, it is a dreamy, reflective piece. A Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@brandonkim7931]

AntPDC Merry Christmas to you and yours as well and thank you for posting this video :)

[@AntPDC]

It was my pleasure Brandon. My great nephew's name is Brandon - and a really rather lovely name it is. May I ask where you are from? I imagine you have wonderful countryside there too!

[@AntPDC]

Why thank you John. All my best wishes to you Sir.

[@R08Tam]

Lovely photos and music from one of my favourite composers.

[@harpswellsound]

what a gorgeous performance; this is a piece I played on harp for my father's memorial service and my sister's wedding. It is a timeless piece and was expressive of both occasions. I recently posted a recording on traditional harp: Prelude on Rhosmedyre arranged by Rhett Barnwell for Harp, and used with his permission

[@alanclark175]

I JUST LOVE THIS PIECE. IT JUST OOZES EMOTION

[@AntPDC]

A marvellous, illuminating comment, and I thank you for it.

[@christophernunn943]

Absolutely sun-drenched in British tradition The landscape being the very soul and homogenous local people who have laboured to create this splendid and fragile community. RVW captures a time when we were at a high water mark Sadly in years to come all this quintessentially British festivities will be a thing of the past as the pernicious creeping multi cultural/multi ethnic tide will find a way to stop this. It's already sweeping across even these beautiful lands and attitudes will change and hardened. Its like witnessing the end of a civilisation before our very eyes.

[@mickyfinn1948]

Have always loved this piece antPDC - fills me with a sense of joy and hope!

[@AntPDC]

Me too Michael :)

[@Jarl_Thidrandi]

+Michael Ross It fills me with melancholy. I played this piece in high school around the time i fell for the girl who I spent several years with. When I listen to this piece, I can almost remember that feeling of being in love for the 1st time. And now it couldnt capture my sadness that she slipped through my finger any better.

[@AntPDC]

A sad account indeed. I hope you found love afterwards. My best to you.

[@AntPDC]

Oh, and don't we all know what it feels like being in love for the first time - it's at once killing, and marvellous.

[@mickyfinn1948]

Indeed, joy, hope and perhaps trepidation too! But still the best feeling in the world!

[@FranceEllul]

This has always been one of my very favourite pieces of music. thank you.

[@organboi]

This is an absolutely stunning performance. I've listened to it so many times the past couple of days. And I've shared it. Thanks for posting.

[@ricardussolus]

This is such a peaceful, restful piece of music. Forget what is happening in the world for a few minutes and look inside yourself and think what is beautiful rather than ugly and then, after some inner reflection, return to the nasty reality.

[@regisvoiclair]

A masterpiece... Thanks !

[@josephg9465]

Lovely shots, AntPDC. The longshot of the cows grazing and the surrounding countryside is particularly exquisite.

[@AntPDC]

Belated thanks Bernard.

[@alan1507]

Thanks for posting. I love RVW but did not know this beautiful piece before today. Your channel is truly a treasure trove to be explored - it seems many of your tastes coincide with mine!

[@AntPDC]

Thanks so much. I have spent many happy days in Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto; I love Canada - a far gentler, more familiar place to me than your giant neighbour to the South (even though I greatly enjoyed my time there too). Regards.

[@RollinMarquis]

A lovely pairing of images to music.

[@mdurufle]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for uploading!

[@jellyman4811]

Im playing this in my orchestra, its so awesome. Love this song!

[@jishisabean356]

playing this in a concert on Tuesday and just beginning to love it

[@AntPDC]

Best of luck for a great concert.

[@jishisabean356]

thanks :)

[@seanmccann8368]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@amandawebber4055]

I love this piece of music. When I was in high school, our orchestra played this. My senior year, all the seniors got to pick pieces of music to keep and this was one I picked. It's just so beautiful. I haven't played in years, but I decided to pick up playing again as music is so important to my soul.

[@PasseeDesArts]

Dear AntPDC, Thank you for this wonderful RWV piece I didn't know before you shared it. I'm very grateful to you for making me discover or rediscover, with intelligence and an always fine taste, the treasures of English music, which I love.

[@joyceaasen2552]

Thank you!

[@713davidh42]

Nice video set to a great tune.

[@TheCandyDrummer]

I've been looking for this for years! Thank you; so lovely. And for the label info, I have my copy coming from Amazon!!

[@AntPDC]

Thank you John (belatedly)! It is very beautiful.

[@hotelflamingo]

you are truly expert at putting together these lovely videos .. I love this work and have it on CD played on an organ. I also have the music which I play on the piano, recording the under two staves and then playing the melody over it. Great stuff, and thanks again.

[@AntPDC]

Thanks Robert; it was indeed a pleasure.

[@grahamdmorris]

Those who can read Welsh appreciate this hymn even more than others . The first verse includes " Oh heavenly, gentle lamb...........your grace, your dear love, fills the heavens. It fills the whole earth." Difficult to sing with tears pouring down one's cheeks especially if you have played the viola part in the arrangement for school orchestra.G D Morris(Port Talbot- but then Llanelli)

[@mizofan]

Diolch.

[@neilcrawford-jones6529]

We sing it English to the words" Author of life divine, who hasn't a table spread, furnished with mystic wine and everlasting bread..."

[@cathrynkelleysmith5023]

Do you know where I can find the lyrics?

[@grahamdmorris]

@@cathrynkelleysmith5023 Since it's a Welsh Hymn (words and music) you'll have to buy a Welsh Hymnal - Graham

[@AntPDC]

A man after my own soul. Warm thanks. It's pretty much what was said of the idea of streaming the music of Bach to announce our presence to the Universe - "it would be bragging of course; but we can tell the harder truths later".

[@mizofan]

Thanks for this, another beautiful piece by the great composer. RVW had Welsh ancestry as his name indicates, but what many now don't know is that old Welsh was once spoken throughout what became known as England, and parts of Scotland, too by the ancient Britons.

[@AntPDC]

Thank you. I would just point out that Old Welsh was never spoken in that part of the British Isles which was later to become England: Common Brittonic was an ancient (c. 6th Century BC) Celtic language spoken throughout Britain. It is also variously known as Old Brittonic, British, and Common or Old Brythonic. By the 6th century AD this language of the Celtic Britons began to split into the various Brittonic languages: Old Welsh, Cumbric , Cornish, Breton and perhaps also Pictish. At around the same time, in much of England and in Southern and Eastern Scotland, the Anglo-Saxon language (Old English) gained dominance and was the immediate precursor of Modern English.

[@HeardMusic12]

Quite wonderful and manna for an exiled soul

[@biographicalvideos]

Pryd bynnag y clywaf y gerddoriaeth hon, daw fy holl hynafiaid Cymreig ataf ac rwy'n teimlo hiraeth dwfn am fy mamwlad Gymreig annwyl. Rwyf wedi byw yn yr Almaen am fwy na 35 mlynedd a chyn bo hir byddaf yn ymfudo i Rwsia gyda fy ngwraig Natalia, ond bydd gen i gariad dwfn bob amser at fy nhreftadaeth Gymreig. Whenever I hear this music, all my Welsh ancestors come to me and I feel a deep nostalgia for my beloved welsh homeland. I've lived in Germany for more than 35 years and I'll soon be emigrating to Russia with my wife Natalia, but I will always have a deep love for my Welsh heritage.

[@AntPDC]

Indeed so Iain. My apologies for this tardy reply too. I agree, this piece by RVW is a little piece of wistful beauty. Like you, it was a fresh discovery, and I'm always glad (if a little upset) by that. Best wishes.

[@johnames6946]

THANK YOU SIR FOR ANSWERING ME. AS I STATED ON MY FIRST COMMENT ON YOUR SITE, THE MUSIC OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (HIS CHARTERHOUSE SUITE FOR STRINGS), GERALD FINZI (ROMANCE IN E FLAT MAJOR, OPUS 11), OR SIR HUBERT PARRY (SYMPHONY NO. 4 IN E MINOR 1. CON FUOCO (1/5) HAS ONE VISUALIZING AS THEY TRAVEL OVER SOME OF THE MOST STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH LANDCAPES IN THE WORLD HAVE A PROFOUND POWER OVER OUR SENSES. THE MUSIC ADDS TO THE BEAUTY (IF THAT IS POSSIBLE) OF THE LANDSCAPES. THANK YOU!

[@AntPDC]

Thanks a lot Hotel. I don't suppose you could put up your piano performance here could you ;) I'm betting it sounds wonderful! Best wishes - Ant

[@alan1507]

I see now that it was the 3rd movement of Op 132 I meant, not the second.

[@alan1507]

Yes, I sort of know what you mean by "a little upset". I remember on discovering the late Beethoven String Quartets that there was some regret that I hadn't come across them earlier. If you don't know it, you should try the "Heilige Danksgesang" 2nd(?) movement from Op 132. I've rarely heard a more intense, sublime piece of music. Might do well with your picture treatment!

[@isabelg.2450]

Now whenever I hear this song, I think of him puking in front of my feet Yeah ase? Whatever we best play it the best we possibly can

[@AntPDC]

Huh?

[@isabelg.2450]

AntPDC SOrry You'd have to be in my ensemble

[@famlbk]

Wow, now pucking is what I'll think of instead of the beauty of this piece. Really spoils it.

[@shyne6413]

Мне тоже нравится музыка Williams. Послушайте ещё гимн "Eventide" и серенаду музыке.

[@janezamudio4940]

Would someone supply the proper pronunciation of this title? Thanks.

[@AntPDC]

Jane Zamudio Any Welsh speakers up for this?

[@AntPDC]

I'm thinking: "RosiMedrah"

[@zachrom2621]

The first building they showed looks like the temple of time from legend of zelda: breath of the wild

[@AntPDC]

Cool! It's the 14th Century Church of St John the Baptist in Tideswell, Derbyshire, England.

[@annerood2703]

Not long enough.

[@organboi]

So much better with orchestra than organ. Sorry, organists. Until you can play it like this, you don't do it justice.

[@annakimborahpa]

Registration is a factor. When reading through Rhosymedre I found that the fascinating lower counterpoint sounded muddy with diapasons and flutes, but much clearer with the strings of a Romantic-voiced organ. But alas, just like the Adagio from Samuel Barber's String Quartet, some music just seems to magically transform when arranged for string orchestra.

[@organboi]

Why did England and Wales not get along so much? Seems like England didn't want Wales to have it's own identity. According to The Crown series. England seems to have crapped on Wales a lot. But I know nothing. Ignorant of something I really should know.