David of the White Rock

Composer picture desired

General Info

Year: 1741 / 2003
Duration: c. 2:45
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Folk song
Publisher: Anglo Music Press, through Music Shop Europe
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $92.00 | Score Only (print) - $15.00

Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo/Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

Bass Drum
Glockenspiel
Mark Tree
Snare Drum
Suspended Cymbal
Tam-tam
Tubular Bells

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

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.

- Program Note by publisher

Media

Audio: Reference recording (in Attachments). Ensemble and conductor unknown

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Surrey Police Band (U.K.) – 19 March 2022
University of Arizona (Tucson) Symphonic Band (Michael I. Gaines, conductor) - 25 April 2019

Works for Winds by This Composer

David of the White Rock (arr. Sparke) (1741/2003)

Resources

Dafydd y Garref Wen. Wikipedia. Accessed 26 January 2023
Perusal score (in Attachments)