             
Copyright
Helen Forder
2004 |
The Triple Harp
from The
Cambrian, 25th June 1869 |
| Agitation promises to do
something for this national instrument. The
journals of the Principality have taken up the
matter warmly. So also, have some of the
influential Welsh families; and, lastly, the
Eisteddfod Council is stirring with a
considerable show of zeal. One result, so far,
has been the appointment of Lady Llanover's blind
harper, Thomas Gryffydd [sic], to be harper
extraordinary to the Prince of Wales; and another
is the issue by Mr. Mostyn Williams, the new and
energetic secretary to the Eisteddfod, of the
following circular, which we hope, in the
interest of a curious and valuable national
relic, will find a hearty response:- |
 |
| "The
secretary of the Eisteddfod begs respectfully to
call the attention of his countrymen to the
following letter from the eminent musical
composer, Mr. Brinley Richards, and to an article
which lately appeared in the 'Carnarvon and
Denbigh Herald.' The object of preserving our
national instrument, and restoring, if possible,
its ancient prestige, must commend itself to the
favourable consideration of every true patriot.
Emanating from a source where no selfish motives
can exist, and pleaded with so much earnestness,
from faith in the intrinsic merits of the
instrument itself, independent of its historical
associations, the case needs no further advocacy.
As a matter of fact, it must be admitted, that
the old triple harp is fast falling into
desuetude. A few specimens may be found here and
there, more as objects of curiosity, and relics
of bygone days, than instruments to be played
upon in this mechanical and utilitarian age. Two
means have been suggested for the restoration of
the 'harp of Wales.' The assistance of our
aristocracy and gentry, on the one hand, and the
co-operation of the national Eisteddfod on the
other. The Welsh nation is greatly indebted to
Lady Llanover for what she has done to preserve
and promote its music and literature. The
soul-stirring sounds of a Welsh harp re-echo
through her ancestral hall, awakened by a most
skilful minstrel. At Bodelwyddan Hall, the seat
of Sir H. Williams, the same ancient custom
prevails, and in other private families the
playing of our national instrument is cultivated
as an accomplishment. It is to be hoped the
appeal now made, originating as it now does in
the genuine patriotism of one who thoroughly
understands the subject, and supported as it has
been by gentlemen of taste and learning, as well
as by the newspaper press throughout the country,
will meet with the response it deserves from all
classes alike, and that our neglected instrument
will become once more familiar. The secretary, on
behalf of the Eisteddfod Council, has great
pleasure in stating that the Welsh harp will form
an important feature in their future
arrangements. In addition to Mr. Brinley
Richards's offer for the Brecon Eisteddfod of
1870, which is to be under his musical direction,
they intend to invite competition in the
manufacture of triple-stringed harps, which shall
combine elegance of design, beauty of adornment,
sweetness of tone, and economy. They will also
endeavour to establish a department for the
qualification of teachers, and do all in their
power to restore the harp to its ancient
position. The co-operation of everyone who feels
an interest in the subject is invited, and any
suggestion of a practical character will be
thankfully received." |
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