I- Symphonic Works

II- Concertante Works

III- Chamber and Solo Instrumental Works

IV- Vocal & Choral Works

V- Incidental & Film Music

 

Symphonic Works (Works for orchestra without soloists)

 

 

HEN WALIA, WELSH OVERTURE (1930; revised in 1936)

First performances:

Original version: 6 August 1931 (Eisteddford Pavilion, Bangor), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tom Davies.

Revised version: 2 October 1936, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Two Scorings:

For small orchestra: 1+Picc.1+CA.2.1/2.2.1.0/Timp+Perc/Strings

For large orchestra: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Strings

Not to be confused with the 1932 "Concert Overture".

​

SUITE FOR ORCHESTRA (1932)

First performance: 5 August 1932 (Eisteddfod Pavilion, Part Talbot), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tom Davies.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.CA.2.2/4.2.3.1/Timp/3Perc/Strings

Not to be confused with the 1934 "Suite for Chamber Orchestra" ("Suite for Nine Instruments").

 

CONCERT OVERTURE (1932)

Highly commended in Daily Telegraph Composition Competition, 1932-33.

First performance: 8 August 1935 (Eisteddfod), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by W. Matthews Williams.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/4.2.3.1/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

Not to be confused with the 1930 Overture "Hen Walia".

 

WELSH DANCES, FOR SMALL ORCHESTRA (1930s)

Nos. 5 & 6 broadcast on 23 November 1935, The Western Studio Orchestra conducted by Reginald Redman.

Scoring: 1+Picc.0.1.0/0.1.0.0/Strings

I- Siencyn's Dance (also arranged for Flute and Piano)

II- Bryniau'r Werddon

III- Maypole Dance

IV- Morris Dance

V- Jig

VI- Folk Dance (Dawns Werin)

 

VARIATIONS ON "BREUDDWYD DAFYDD RHYS" (1934)

First performance: 5 August 1938 (Eisteddford Pavilion, Cardiff), London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Grace Williams.

 

THESEUS AND ARIADNE, BALLET IN ONE ACT AND THREE SCENES (1935)

Choreography by Eric Bailey.

First performance: 15 November 1937, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Idris Lewis.

Scoring: 1.1.1.1/1.1.1.0/Timp/Harp[or Piano]/Strings

Two fragments from the ballet ("Ariadne's Dance" & "Entry of Theseus and the Athenians") can be performed separately.

 

ELEGY FOR STRING ORCHESTRA (1936; revised in 1940)

TWO RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

First performance: 25 February 1936, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Idris Lewis.

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff

 

FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS FOR THE LEGEND OF RHIANNON, FOR ORCHESTRA (1939; revised in 1940)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the BBC Welsh Region and dedicated to BBC Welsh Orchestra.

First performances:

Original version: 24 October 1939, BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Idris Lewis.

Revised version: May 1943, BBC Northern Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Cel/Strings

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

I- The Conflict: Allegro molto

II- The Nuptial Feast: Moderato largamente

III- The Penance: Andante cantabile

IV- The Return of Pryderi: Allegro

 

FANTASIA ON WELSH NURSERY TUNES, FOR ORCHESTRA (1940)

COMPLETE SCORE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

SIX RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Also entitled "Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Rhymes".

Includes the tunes "Jim Cro"; "Beryn y Bwn"; "Migildi, Magildi"; "Si lwli 'mabi"; "Gee, geffyl bach"; "Csga di fy mhlentyn tlws"; "Yr eneth ffein ddu"; "Cadi ha !".

First performance: 29 October 1941, BBC Northern Orchestra conducted by Eric Fogg.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Oxford University Press (1956)

Commercial recordings:

1949 (Decca AK1999-2000): London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas [Re-issued 1951 (Decca LX3025)]

1969 (Music for Pleasure SMFP2129): National Youth Orchestra of Wales conducted by Arthur Davison

1974 (HMV ASD3006): London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves [Re-issued 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323)]

1999 (Marco Polo 8225048): Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Andrew Penny

 

SYMPHONIC IMPRESSIONS (SYMPHONY NO. 1) (1943; revised in 1952)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Dedicated to Elizabeth Maconchy.

First performances:

Original version: November 1947, BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Adrian Boult.

30 March 1950 (Broadcasting House, Llandaff), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Revised version: April 1952, BBC Scottish Orchestra conducted by Clarence Raybould.

29 September 1952 (Broadcasting House, Llandaff), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Arwel Hughes.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/4.3.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

I- Allegro con fuoco

II- Andante liricamente

III- Scherzo barbaro e segreto (Allegro molto)

IV- Epilogue: Andante solenne

Movement III also performable separately as a stand-alone work.

 

SEA SKETCHES, FIVE PIECES FOR STRING ORCHESTRA (1944)

SIX RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

First performance: 31 March 1947, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Published by Oxford University Press (1951)

I- High Wind: Allegro energico

II- Sailing Song: Allegretto

III- Channel Sirens: Lento misterioso

IV- Breakers: Presto

V- Calm Sea in Summer: Andante tranquillo

Commercial recordings:

1970 (Decca SXL6468): English Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Atherton [Re-issued 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323)]

2002 (CBC SMCD5227): Manitoba Chamber Orchestra conducted by Roy Goodman

 

POLISH POLKA, FOR ORCHESTRA (1948)

Variations on the traditional Polish tune "Husia Susia".

Dedicated to Zenon Sliwinski.

Scoring: 2.2.2.2/2.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

Also version for two pianos (published by Oxford University Press, 1950)

 

MOUNTAIN SEQUENCE, FOR ORCHESTRA (1948)

Scoring: 2.1+CA.2.1/1.2.3.0/Harp/Timp/Perc/Strings

Arranged from the "Mountain Love Scene" from her music for the movie "Blue Scar" (1948).

 

THE DARK ISLAND, SUITE FOR STRING ORCHESTRA (​1949)

Arranged from the incidental music for "The Dark Island" (1948).

Dedicated to the Kathleen Merritt String Orchestra.

I- Prologue

II- Barcarole

III- Alla marcia

IV- Epilogue

 

THE MERRY MINSTREL ("Y CLERWR LLON") (1949)

For Narrator and orchestra.

First performance: 6 August 1949, John Darran (narrator), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Scoring: Narrator; 2[II+Picc].1+CA.2.1/2.2.3.0/2Perc[I+Timp]/Harp/Strings

Text:

In English: Grace Williams

In Welsh: Lorraine Davies

 

HORNPIPE FOR ORCHESTRA: "KEEL AND ANCHOR" (​1953)

First performance: 11 September 1953, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Arwel Hughes.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/2.2.3.0/Timp/2Perc/Piano/Strings

 

SEVEN SCENES FOR YOUNG LISTENERS, FOR ORCHESTRA (1954)

First performance: 9 August 1954, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Rae Jenkins.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/2.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

I- The Curtain Rises

II- The Lazy Swing

III- The Procession

IV- Sweet Cries

V- The Gossiping Puppet

VI- The Princess in the Tower

VII- The Final Episode

 

PENILLION, SYMPHONIC POEM IN FOUR MOVEMENTS (1955)

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

First performance: 30 July 1955 (Llangefni), National Youth Orchestra of Wales conducted by Clarence Raybould.

Scoring: 2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Oxford University Press (1962)

I- Moderato cantando

II- Allegro con fuoco

III- Andante con tristezza

IV- Allegro agitato

Commercial recordings:

1972 (HMV ASD2739): Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves [Re-issued 1981 (Oriel ORM1001) then Re-issued 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323)]

 

VARIATION ON "WHERE'S MY LITTLE BASKET GONE ?" (1955)

Composed for the MacNaghten concert series as the eighth movement of the collective work "Diabelleries" (other contributors : Ralph Vaughan Williams, Howard Ferguson, Alan Bush, Alan Rawsthorne, Elisabeth Lutyens, Elizabeth Maconchy, Gerald Finzi, Gordon Jacob).

 

SYMPHONY NO. 2 (1956; revised in 1975)

FOUR RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the Welsh Committee of the Arts Council of Great Britain.

First performances:

Original version: 8 October 1957 (Brangwyn Hall, Swansea), Hallé Orchestra conducted by George Weldon.

Revised version: February 1976 (Broadcasting House, Llandaff), BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christopher Adey.

Scoring: 3[III+Picc].2[II+CA].2.BCl.2.Cbsn/4.3.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

I- Allegro marciale

II- Andante sostenuto

III- Allegro scherzando

IV- Largo

Commercial recordings:

1980 (BBC Artium REGL381): BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley [Re-issued 1996 (Lyrita SRCD327)]

 

PROCESSIONAL, FOR ORCHESTRA (1962; revised in 1968)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the Llandaff Festival.

First performance: 18 June 1962 (Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves.

Scoring: 2.1.CA.2.2/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

 

VARIATION ON "BRAINT" (1966)

FOUR RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the BBC as the fifth movement of the collective work "Severn Bridge Variations" (contributors, in order : Malcolm Arnold, Alun Hoddinott, Nicholas Maw, Daniel Jones, Grace Williams, Michael Tippett).

First performance: 11 January 1967 (Brangwyn Hall, Swansea), BBC Training Orchestra conducted by Adrian Boult.

Scoring: 2.Picc.2.CA.2.BCl.2.Cbsn/4.3.3.1/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

Commercial recordings:

2001 (NMC D062): BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jac van Steen

​

FIVE CAROLS FOR ORCHESTRA (1967) - after traditional tunes

Composed for the BBC, Christmas 1967.

Scoring: 2.2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

I- Fanfare Introduction (added in 1973) - God rest you Merry Gentlemen (orig. movement IV)

II- While Shepherds watched their Flocks by Night (orig. for Chorus and orchestra, 1948)

III- Good King Wenceslas

IV- O come, all ye Faithful (orig. movement I)

V- Hark the herald Angels sing

 

BALLADS FOR ORCHESTRA (1968)

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the National Eisteddfod.

First performance: 10 August 1968 (Eisteddford Pavilion, Barry), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves.

Scoring: 3[III+Picc].2[II+CA].2[II+BCl].2/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

I- Allegro moderato, alla canzone

II- Alla marcia solenne

III- Andante calmante

IV- Allegro furioso

Commercial recordings:

1980 (BBC Artium REGL381): BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley [Re-issued 1996 (Lyrita SRCD327)]

2006 (BBC Music Magazine BBCMM273): BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Baldur Brönnimann

 

CASTELL CAERNARFON, SYMPHONIC POEM (1969)

"Investiture Processional Music" commissioned by the Office for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales.

First performance: 1st July 1969 (Caernarfon Castle), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Wyn Morris & Trumpeters and Drummers of the Royal Military School of Music

Scoring: 3[II/III+Picc].2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings

I- Prelude: Liricamente - attacca

II- Processional: Maestoso

Original scoring of the "Prelude": 2 Trumpets (solo), 16 Trumpets & 2 Percussionists

Commercial recordings:

Un-issued recording by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves (in EMI archives).

 

 

 

Concertante Works (Works for soloists and orchestra)

 

 

MOVEMENT (CONCERTO-FANTASIA) FOR TRUMPET AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (1932)

First performance: 31 January 1933 (Ballet Club, London), Richard Walton (trumpet).

Scoring: Solo Trumpet; 1.1.1.1/2.0.0.0/Strings

In one movement encompassing three sections:

I- Allegro vivace

II- Andante

III- Finale: Allegro

Not to be confused with the 1963 "Concerto for Trumpet and (Full) Orchestra".

 

SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA (1941)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

First performance: 7 January 1943, Margaret Good (piano), BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Clarence Raybould.

Scoring: Solo Piano; 2[II+Picc].2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Strings

I- Allegro

II- Lento

III- Alla marcia

 

CONCERTO FOR VIOLIN AND ORCHESTRA (1950)

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Written for Granville Jones.

First performance: 30 March 1950 (Broadcasting House, Llandaff), Granville Jones (violin), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Mansel Thomas.

Scoring: Solo Violin; 2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

I- Liricamente

II- Andante sostenuto - attacca

III- Allegro con spirito

 

VARIATIONS ON A SWEDISH TUNE ("THE SHOEMAKER"), FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA (1950)

Commissioned by the BBC for "Rhythm and Melody".

Scoring: Solo Piano; 2.1.2.1/2.2.3.0/Timp+Perc/Harp/Strings

 

CONCERTO FOR TRUMPET AND ORCHESTRA (1963)

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Written for Bram Gay.

First performance: 8 March 1964 (Rhyl), Bram Gay (trumpet), Hallé Orchestra conducted by Charles Mackerras.

Scoring: Solo Trumpet; 2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2.2/4.0.3.1/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

Published by Curiad, Caernarfon

I- Andante con moto

II- Poco lento (Passacaglia)

III- Allegro con brio

Commercial recordings:

1974 (HMV ASD3006): Howard Snell (trumpet), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves [Re-issued 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323)]

2002 (B000CA6ZNO): Lisa Lynn Verzella (trumpet), Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra

Not to be confused with the 1932 "Movement (Concerto-Fantasia) for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra".

 

CARILLONS, CONCERTINO FOR OBOE AND ORCHESTRA (1965; revised in 1973)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by BBC Wales for "Auditorium".

First performance: 1st March 1967, Philip Jones (oboe), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Rae Jenkins.

Scoring: Solo Oboe; 0.0.0.0/2.2.3.0/2Perc/Strings

Published by Curiad, Caernarfon

I- Moderato con moto

II- Allegretto alla pavana

III- Lento rapsodico

IV- Allegro scherzando

Commercial recordings:

1974 (HMV ASD3006): Anthony Camden (oboe), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves [Re-issued 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323)]

 

 

 

Chamber and Solo Instrumental Works

 

 

VARIATIONS FOR STRING QUARTET ("VENI EMMANUEL") (1920s)

 

PHANTASY QUINTET, FOR PIANO AND STRING QUARTET (1928)

2nd prize at the Cobbett Chamber Music Competition 1928.

 

SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO (1930; revised in 1938)

First performance: 7 September 2017 (Powis Hall, Bangor University, Wales), Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Konstantin Lapshin (piano).

Published by Tŷ Cerdd (TC S 005) (2017)

I- Allegro molto ritmico

II- Andante sostenuto

III- Allegro scherzando

Movement II also performable separately as a stand-alone work.

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): Madeleine Mitchell (violin) and Konstantin Lapshin (piano)

 

SONATINA FOR FLUTE AND PIANO (1931)

COMPLETE SCORE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

First performance: November 1933 (Macnaghten-Lemare Concerts), John Francis (flute) and Grace Williams (piano).

Published by Tŷ Cerdd (TC. WW 001) (2015)

I- Allegro scherzando

II- Poco adagio

III- Presto

 

SEXTET FOR OBOE, TRUMPET, VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO AND PIANO (1931)

Composed for Daily Telegraph composition competition.

First performance: 22 September 2010 (St Asaph Cathedral), Ensemble Cymru.

I- Poco adagio - Allegro con brio - Poco adagio
II- Allegro scherzando - Poco lento - Allegro scherzando
III- Andante, tranquillo e semplice
IV- Allegro molto, quasi una tarantella

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): London Chamber Ensemble

 

RHAPSODY FOR CELLO AND PIANO (1932)

​First performance: 7 December 1932, Ronald Harding (cello).

 

THE SILENT POOL, PRELUDE FOR PIANO (1932)

Also entitled "Y Llyn Mud".

Published by the Welsh Music Information Centre, Cardiff (1991)

Commercial recordings:

2001 (Sain SCD2308): Iwan Llewellyn Jones

 

SUITE FOR NINE INSTRUMENTS (1934)

For Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Piano, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass.

Also entitled "Suite for Chamber Orchestra".

First performance: 14 January 1935, Western Studio Orchestra conducted by Reginald Redman.

I- Allegro moderato

II- Andantino

III- Allegro con brio

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): London Chamber Ensemble

Not to be confused with the 1932 "Suite for (Full) Orchestra".

 

SIENCYN'S DANCE, FOR FLUTE AND PIANO (1930s)

Arrangement of the 1st of the Six "Welsh Dances" for small orchestra.

 

CAVATINA, FOR STRING QUARTET (1937)

 

RHAPSODY FOR TWO CLARINETS (1939)

Composed for members of the BBC Welsh Orchestra. Premiered in August 1939.

​

ROMANZA FOR OBOE AND CLARINET (1940s)

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): John Anderson (oboe) and Andrew Sparling (bass clarinet)

 

POLISH POLKA, FOR TWO PIANOS (1948)

Transcription of the homonymous work for orchestra.

Variations on the traditional Polish tune "Husia Susia". Dedicated to Zenon Sliwinski.

Published by Oxford University Press (1950)

 

HIRAETH (LONGING), FOR SOLO HARP (1951)

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Composed for Ann Griffiths. Often incorrectly dated as 1957.

Published by the University of Wales Press, Cardiff (1961)

Commercial recordings:

1994 (Lorelt LNT105): Elinor Bennett

1995 (Globe GLO5133): Edward Witsenburg

2010 (Kalan Müzik 8691834008991): Fatma Ceren Necipoğlu

2011 (887516975066): Lucia Wisse

 

THREE NOCTURNES, FOR TWO PIANOS (1953)

First performance: April 1953, Joan Trimble & Valerie Trimble

I- Serenade

II- Passacaglia

III- MasqueI-I

 

SARABAND FOR EILUNED, FOR PIANO LEFT-HAND (1958)

Composed for Eiluned Davies.

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): David Owen Norris

 

CÂN RAMANTUS (LOVE SONG), FOR FRENCH HORN AND HARP (1959)

Composed as a wedding gift for the marriage of Lloyd Davies and harpist Ann Griffiths (2 May 1959).

Published by Adlais Music Publishers (September 2009)

 

ELEGY FOR CYNDDYLAN (MARWNAD CYNDDYLAN), FOR TRUMPET AND PIANO (1970)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Composed for an "Album of Pieces" presented to the Prince of Wales by the Performing Rights Society, June 1970.

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

Commercial recordings:

2016 (Tŷ Cerdd Records "Trumpet Music From Wales"): Philippe Schartz (trumpet), Chris Williams (piano)

 

RONDO FOR DANCING, FOR TWO VIOLINS AND CELLO (1970)

The cello part can be performed by a double bass.

Published by Guild for the Promotion of Welsh Music (1976)

Commercial recordings:

2019 (Naxos 8571380): Madeleine Mitchell (violin I), Gordon MacKay (violin II), Joseph Spooner (cello)

​

​

​

Vocal & Choral Works (Works for voices and/or chorus with or without orchestra)

 

 

TO NIGHT (1926)

​Graduation exercise from the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire (University of Wales).

Scoring: SMATB (solo), SATB (chorus), String Orchestra.

Text: Percy Bysshe Shelley

​

TWO PSALMS (1927; revised in 1935)

Two Scorings:

Original version: Soprano, Small Orchestra (1.1.1.0/0.1.0.0/Harp[or Piano]/Strings)

Revised version: Mezzo-soprano, Expanded orchestra (2.2.2.2/2.0.0.0/Perc/Harp/Strings)

I- Super Flumina

II- In Convertendo

Text: The Bible

​

THREE SONGS FOR MEZZO-SOPRANO AND LARGE ORCHESTRA ("SERVICE OF ALL THE DEAD"; "TARANTELLA"; "TUSCANY") (1929; 1930; 1930)

Scoring: Mezzo-soprano. Large orchestra (2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/Timp/4Perc/Harp/Strings)

"Service of All the Dead" also exists in three other scorings: for soprano and small orchestra (1.0.1.0/0.1.0.0/Piano/Strings); for tenor and large orchestra (2.Picc.2.CA.2.BCl.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings); for tenor and piano.

"Tarantella" also arranged for mezzo-soprano and piano.

Text: David Herbert Lawrence; Hilaire Belloc; Vita (Victoria) Sackville-West

 

THREE SONGS FOR SOPRANO AND SMALL ORCHESTRA ("I HAD A LITTLE NUT TREE"; "GREEN RAIN"; "THE MAD MAID'S SONG") (1930; 1933; 1933)

Soprano. Small orchestra (1.0.1.0/0.1.0.0/Piano/Strings)

Also arranged for soprano and piano.

Text: Anonymous; Mary Webb; Robert Herrick

 

TWO SONGS FOR TENOR AND LARGE ORCHESTRA ("OH ! SNATCH'D AWAY IN BEAUTY'S BLOOM"; "OH ! WEEP FOR THOSE THAT WEPT") (1933; 1934)

Three Scorings:

For tenor and large orchestra (2.Picc.2.CA.2.BCl.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings)

For tenor and small orchestra (1.0.1.0/0.1.0.0/Piano/Strings)

For tenor and piano.

Text: George Byron

 

TWO SONGS FOR BARITONE AND ORCHESTRA ("STAND FORTH, SEITHENIN !"; "THOU ART THE ONE TRUTH") (1935)

Scoring:

"Stand forth, Seithenin !": Baritone. Orchestra (2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2[II+BCl].2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Strings)

"Thou art the one truth": Baritone. Orchestra (0.2.1.0/2.2.3.0/Timp/Strings).

Text: Charlotte Guest ("Mabinogion"); Dhan Ghopal Mukergi ("My brother's face") 

"Thou art the one truth" also arranged for baritone and piano (1950), published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff

 

GOGONEDAWG ARGLWYDD ("HYMN OF PRAISE") (1939)

First performance: 16 February 1945, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leslie Woodgate.

Scoring: SATB (chorus). Orchestra (2.2.2.2/4.2.3.0/Timp/Perc/Strings).

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

Text:

In Welsh: Black Book of Carmarthen

In English: Grace Williams (free translation of the Black Book of Carmarthen)

​

THE SONG OF MARY, FOR SOPRANO AND ORCHESTRA (1939; revised in 1940 and 1945)

First performance (revised version): 16 February 1945 (Bedford), Margaret Rees (soprano), BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leslie Woodgate.

Scoring: Soprano. Orchestra (0.1.0.0/0.2.3.0/Harp/Strings)

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff

Text: The Bible

 

THE WITCHES' SABBATH ​(c. 1942)

Scoring: SABar (Chorus), Piano.

Text: Ben Jonson ("The Masque of Queens").

 

THE BURNING BABE (1940s)

Dedicated to Barry Girls' Grammar School.

Scoring: SA (chorus), Piano.

Text: Robert Southwell

 

PSALM 150 (1947)

Commissioned for the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

Scoring: SS (chorus), Piano.

Published by Gwasg y Brython, Liverpool (1947)

Text (in Welsh and in English): The Bible

 

DIC PENDERYN, OPERA IN THREE ACTS (1949)

Text: Grace Williams & Henry Treece

Sketches only.

 

THE DANCERS: CHORAL SUITE, FOR SOPRANO, WOMEN'S CHOIR, STRING ORCHESTRA AND HARP (​1951)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

First performance: 18 November 1954, Joan Sutherland (soprano), Penarth Ladies' Choir, BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Arwel Hughes.

Scoring: S (solo). SSA (chorus). Harp. String Orchestra.

Published by Oxford University Press (1953)

I- Gather for Festival

II- Tarantella

III- Roundelay

IV- Lose the Pain in the Snow

V- To the Wild Hills

Commercial recordings:

1985 (Chandos ABRD1116): Eiddwen Harrhy (soprano), Richard Hickox Singers, Caryl Thomas (harp), City of London Sinfonia conducted by Richard Hickox [Re-issued 1998 (Chandos CHAN9617)]

Text: various (Anonymous; Hilaire Belloc; Thomas Chatterton; May Sarton; Kathleen Raine)

Also performable with piano reduction. Movement V performable separately as "I'r bryniau gwyllt" (translation in Welsh by Enid Parry).

 

CAROL NADOLIG ("THE FLOWER OF BETHLEHEM") (1955)

Composed for the students of Aberdare Hall, University College, Cardiff. Version with viola arranged for the Seiriol Singers, University College of North Wales, Bangor.

Scoring: SATB (chorus). Piano. Optional Viola part.

Published by Oxford University Press (1958); and (as "Rhosyn Duw") by Cwmni Cyhoeddi Gwynn, Caernarfon (1983)

Commercial recordings:

1999 (Herald HAVPCD227): National Youth Choir of Wales conducted by Ralph Allwood, Janice Ball (piano).

Undated (Horizon HOR-PR-7): Seiriol Singers conducted by John Hywel, David Hart (piano), Gethin Williams (viola).

Text:

In Welsh: Saunders Lewis ("Carol Nadolig")

In English: Grace Williams (free translation of "Carol Nadolig")

 

SLEEP AT SEA, FOR MALE CHOIR AND PIANO (1955)

COMPLETE SCORE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Composed for the Treorchy Male Voice Choir.

Scoring: TTBB (chorus), Piano.

Published by Tŷ Cerdd (TC C 017) (2015)

Text: Christina Rossetti

 

YR EOS ("THE NIGHTINGALE") (​1958)

Scoring: SSA (chorus), Piano.

Published by the University of Wales Press, Cardiff (1960)

Text:

In Welsh: "Ieuan Ddu"

In English: Grace Williams (free translation of "Yr Eos")

 

SIX POEMS BY GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS (1958)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the BBC.

First performance: 14 July 1958 (Cheltenham), Helen Watts (contralto), Allegri String Quartet, Cecil Aronowitz (viola II), Terence Weil (cello II).

Scoring: Contralto, 2 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos.

Published by Tŷ Cerdd (TC V 075) in the version for contralto and piano (piano reduction by the composer), as well as in the version for soprano and piano (TC V 076).

I- Pied Beauty

II- Peace

III- Spring and Fall

IV- No worst, there is none...

V- Hurrahing in Harvest

VI- The Windhover

Commercial recordings:

1985 (Chandos ABRD1116): Helen Watts (contralto), Simon Standage (violin I), Elizabeth Sheton (violin II), Richard Williamson (viola I), Simon Whistler (viola II), John Heley (cello I), Shuna Wilson (cello II) [Re-issued 1998 (Chandos CHAN9617)]

Text: Gerard Manley Hopkins

 

ALL SEASONS SHALL BE SWEET (1959)

Commissioned by BBC Wales.

First performance: 3 February 1960, Mary Thomas (soprano), BBC Welsh Orchestra conducted by Arwel Hughes.

Scoring: S (solo). SSA (chorus). Orchestra (1.1.1.0/0.0.0.0/Harp/Strings)

Published by the University of Wales Press, Cardiff (1963) and (as "Caneuon Tymor") by Cwmni Cyhoeddi Gwynn, Caernarfon (2004)

Text: various

Also performable with piano reduction.

 

SONGS OF SLEEP (1959)

Dedicated to Ann Griffiths.

Scoring: Soprano, Alto Flute, Harp.

Text: Francis Beaumont & John Fletcher.

 

THREE SHAKESPEARIAN LYRICS (1959)

Composed for the Penarth Ladies' Choir.

Scoring: SSA (chorus), Piano.

Published by Oxford University Press (1959)

Text: William Shakespeare ("As you like it"; "Henry VIII"; "Much ado about nothing")

 

THE PARLOUR, OPERA IN ONE ACT AND TWO SCENES (1961)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the Welsh Committee of the Arts Council of Great Britain.

First performance: 5 May 1966 (New Theatre, Cardiff), Welsh National Opera Company, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Bryan Balkwill.

Scoring: SSSMAATTBar (solo). 2Silent Adult. Girl. Boy. SATB (chorus). Orchestra (2[II+Picc.].2[II+CA].2[II+BCl.2/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings)

Libretto: Grace Williams, after Guy de Maupassant's short story "En Famille"

 

HYMN TO THE EARTH (1962)

Also entitled "Earth the Mother of All".

Composed for the Croydon Schools' Festival Choir.

Scoring: SA (chorus), Piano.

Text: Percy Bysshe Shelley, after Homer ("Hymn to the Earth, Mother of All")

 

FOUR MEDIAEVAL WELSH POEMS (1962)

Also spelled "Four Medieval Welsh Poems".

First performance: 5 February 1963, Helen Watts (contralto), Osian Ellis (harp)

Scoring: Contralto, Harp, Harpsichord.

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

Text: Anonymous

 

BENEDICITE (1964)

Commissioned by the National Eisteddfod.

First performance: 3 August 1965 (Eisteddford Pavilion, Newtown), Montgomery Secondary Schools' Choir and Orchestra conducted by Alan Paynes.

Scoring: S (solo). SA[or SATB] (chorus). Orchestra (2.2.2.2/2.2.2.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Piano/Strings)

Text (in Welsh and in English): The Bible

 

CARMINA AVIUM (1967)

Composed for the Cardiff Festival of Twentieth-Century Music.

First performance: 17 March 1967 (Cardiff Castle), Cardiff Philharmonic Choir conducted by Roy Bohana.

Scoring: SATB (chorus), Viola, Harp.

Text: various (Julius Caesar Scaliger; Catullus; Anonymous)

Movement III ("Ploratione Cygni") performable a cappella as a separate stand-alone work.

 

CÂN GWRAIG Y PYSGOTWR (1969)

Scoring: SSA (chorus). Piano [or Piano Four-Hands].

Published by Llys yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol (1969)

Text: John Blackwell

 

THE BILLOWS OF THE SEA, FOR CONTRALTO AND PIANO (1969)

Commissioned by the Guild for the Promotion of Welsh Music.

First performance: 7 October 1969 (Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea), Helen Watts (contralto), John Streets (piano).

Scoring: Contralto, Piano.

Text: Walter Scott ("The Lay of the Last Minstrel"); Alfred Tennyson ("Sweet and Low"); Anonymous ("The Lowlands of Holland"); John Gay ("Black-eyed Susan")

 

MISSA CAMBRENSIS, FOR SOLOISTS, CHORUS, NARRATOR AND ORCHESTRA (1971)

TWO RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the Llandaff Festival.

Dedicated to Nancy Elizabeth Jenkins.

First performance: 16 June 1971 (Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff), Janet Price (soprano), Rhiannon Davies (alto), Kenneth Bowen (tenor), John Barrow (bass), Llandaff Cathedral Choral Society, Llandaff Cathedral Boys' Choir, BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Joyce.

Scoring: Narrator; SATB (solo). SATB (chorus). TrTrTrTr (solo). TrTrA (chorus). Harp. Viola. Cello. Orchestra (2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2[II+BCl].2.Cbsn/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Piano/Strings)

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff (2010)

I- Kyrie eleison
II- Gloria; Laudamus te; Domine Deus; Qui tollis peccata mundi; Quoniam tu solus sanctus; Cum Sancto Spiritu
III- Credo; Carol Nadolig; [Credo]; Beatitudes; Crucifixus
IV- Sanctus; Benedictus
V- Agnus Dei; Dona Nobis Pacem

Commercial recordings:

Un-issued recording by Lyrita: Fflur Wyn (soprano), Catherine Wyn Rogers (contralto), Andrew Rees (tenor), Jason Howard (bass), Rowan Williams (narrator), Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion Children's Chorus, BBC National Chorus of Wales, BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Tecwyn Evans.

Text: Latin Mass Bible; Saunders Lewis ("Carol Nadolig")

 

YE HIGHLANDS AND YE LOWLANDS, FOR TWO TENORS, TWO BASSES AND PIANO (1972)

Commissioned by the Barry Male Voice Choir.

Scoring: TTBB, Piano.

Text: Anonymous ("The Bonny Earl of Murray"); Robert Burns ("My Luve is like a red, red rose"); Walter Scott ("Jock o' Hazeldean")

 

AVE MARIS STELLA, FOR SATB CHORUS A CAPPELLA (1973)

COMPLETE SCORE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

THREE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by the North Wales Music Festival.

First performance: 28 September 1973 (St Asaph Cathedral), BBC Singers conducted by John Poole.

Scoring: SATB (chorus)

Published by Oxford University Press (1975)

Commercial recordings:

1985 (Chandos ABRD1116): Richard Hickox Singers conducted by Richard Hickox [Re-issued 1998 (Chandos CHAN9617)]

Text: Anonymous

 

FAIREST OF STARS, ARIA FOR SOPRANO AND ORCHESTRA (1973)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by BBC Wales.

Scoring: Soprano, Orchestra (2.2[II+CA].2[II+BCl].2/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings)

Published by Oriana Publications, Cardiff

Commercial recordings:

1974 (HMV ASD3006): Janet Price (soprano), London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Groves [Re-issued 1996 (Lyrita SRCD327)]

Text: John Milton ("Paradise Lost")

 

TWO INTERLINKED CHORUSES (1975)

RECORDING AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE.

Commissioned by BBC Wales.

First performance: 26 February 1976 (St Augustine's Church, Penarth), BBC Singers conducted by John Poole.

Scoring: SATB (chorus), 2 Horns, Harp.

I- Harp Song of the Dane Women

II- Mariners' Song

Commercial recordings:

1985 (Chandos ABRD1116): Richard Hickox Singers, Caryl Thomas (harp), Frank Lloyd & Christopher Larkin (horns), conducted by Richard Hickox [Re-issued 1998 (Chandos CHAN9617)]

Text: Rudyard Kipling ("Harp Song of the Dane Women"); T. L. Beddoes ("To Sea, to Sea")

 

SIMON THE HIGH PRIEST (1975)

Scoring: SATB (chorus), Oboe, Viola, Harp.

Text: The Bible

Sketches only.

 

 

 

Incidental & Film Music

 

HANNIBAL (1947)

Incidental music for the radio play by Robert Gittings.

 

AUCASSIN AND NICOLETTE (c. 1948)

Incidental music for the radio play by Sam Langdon.

 

THE DARK ISLAND (1948)

Incidental music for the dramatic poem for radio by Henry Treece.

Grace Williams arranged a four-movement suite for string orchestra (1949) for the Kathleen Merritt String Orchestra.

 

BLUE SCAR (1948)

Incidental music for film.

Scoring: 2.1+CA.2.1/1.2.3.0/Harp/Timp/Perc/Strings

"Mountain Sequence" performable independently as a separate concert work.

 

THE END OF A WORLD (1949)

Incidental music for the dramatic poem for radio by Henry Treece.

 

RATAPLAN (1949)

​Incidental (but continuous) music for the radio fantasy by Henry Treece.

Scoring: 8Speaker. SMT (solo). SM (chorus). Orchestra (2[II+Picc].2[II+CA].2[II+BCl].2[2+Cbsn]/4.2.3.1/Timp/2Perc/Harp/Strings)

 

DAVID (1951)

Incidental music for film.

Scoring: 1.1.2.1/1.2.2.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

Commercial recordings:

2005 ([DVD of original film] Paramint PDC2021), unknown musicians

 

THE STORY OF ACHIEVEMENT (1952)

Incidental music for film.

Scoring: 1.1.2.1/1.2.2.0/Timp/Perc/Harp/Strings

 

SIWAN (1954)

Incidental music for the radio play by Saunders Lewis.

Scoring: 2 Violins & Harp

 

A LETTER FOR WALES (1960)

Incidental music for film. Also entitled "Letter to Wales".

Commercial recordings:

2005 ([DVD of original film, as part of 'British Transport Films Collection, Volume II: See Britain by Train'] BFI), unknown musicians

 

THE LOVELY GIFT OF THE GAB (1965)

​Incidental music for Commonwealth Festival poetry reading.

Scoring: Narrator; Trumpet, Harp, Percussion, Soprano, Tenor.

 

ESTHER (1970)

Commissioned by BBC Wales.

Incidental music for the play by Saunders Lewis.

Scoring: Voice, Oboe, Clarinet, Trumpet, Timpani+Percussion, Harp, Cello.