Cerdd Dant

Cerdd Dant Basics

  • Cerdd Dant is a traditional Welsh style of music, often described as ‘the art of the string.’
  • It is a form of musical competition that dates back to the 12th century.
  • Unique to Wales, Cerdd Dant involves the performance of poetry to harp accompaniment.
  • Traditionally, the poet (penillion) and harpist (telynor) perform in a duel-like manner, the poet trying to match their verses to the harp melody.
  • The practice involves the simultaneous performance of two different melodies, often creating some interesting contrapuntal effects.

Cerdd Dant Ensemble Roles

  • The Harpist (telynor), who initiates the performance by playing the melody (usually a known song or hymn tune).
  • The Penillion singer, who sings verses over the harp’s melody, using strict meters and complex internal and end-line rhymes.
  • Audience, although not performing, play an important role in Cerdd Dant performances offering immediate feedback and usually deciding the winner in competitions.

Performing Cerdd Dant

  • The central challenge in Cerdd Dant is the coordination between the harpist and singer.
  • It requires exceptional musical skills and understanding, including the ability to improvise, and a deep knowledge of Welsh poetic forms.
  • Both the harpist and singer require a good ear for music to play or sing in tune while hearing a different melody.
  • Unlike other ensemble forms, Cerdd Dant typically showcases a more soloistic or even competitive exchange between musicians.

Cerdd Dant Genres

  • Traditional Cerdd Dant often involves lyrical themes of love, nature, and Welsh history and mythology.
  • Modern Cerdd Dant may incorporate more contemporary topics or vary with performance styles, for instance, by adding other instruments.

Key Elements of Cerdd Dant Performances

  • Improvisation: Being focused on poetry and music performances at Eisteddfodau (Welsh festivals), there would often be some form of spontaneous interpretation.
  • Rhyme and Meter: An essential aspect of the verses sung by the poet. The rigorous form of Welsh poetry carries its music within it and contributes to the overall aesthetic effect.
  • Communication: Successful Cerdd Dant relies on good understanding and communication between the penillion and the telynor. Their performance is like a musical conversation.
  • Respect for Tradition: Even when they innovate, performers of Cerdd Dant typically honour the roots of this uniquely Welsh art form.