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.