Rhian Samuel

Rhyfedd, Rhyfedd - Wonder, Wonder

With a special place in Welsh literature, the work of Ann Griffiths (1776-1805) continues to inspire poets and musicians two centuries after her death. Responding to the unique energy of Ann's vision of the birth of Christ, Rhian Samuel's Rhyfedd, rhyfedd / Wonder, wonder may be sung either in the original Welsh or the composer's own English singing translation. A joyful addition to contemporary Christmas repertoire, the anthem will also introduce many to this outstanding poet whose voice speaks universally of enduring spiritual values.

The hymns of Ann Griffiths (1776-1805) continue to inspire more than two centuries after her early death; she died in childbirth at the age of 29. They are an outstanding product of the oral tradition: the words of the hymn, Rhyfedd, rhyfedd, were recited by Ann to her maid, Ruth Evans, and later prepared for publication by the Methodist preacher, Robert Jones. The composer's English singing translation of two of the original seven verses follows closely the meaning and imagery of the poem, and reproduces the strong rhythms of the Welsh text. At first, a gentle organ counterpoint pervades this setting, evoking the wonder of the angels at the birth of Christ. It is later overlaid with an expression of the glory of the ‘infinite God of All', ‘anfeidrol fywiol Dduw'. The world premiere was given by the choir of New College, Oxford, director Robert Quinney, on 5 December 2021.