Philip Sparke: David of the White Rock: Concert Band: Score

This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd Carnarnvonshire North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.