Variations on Men of Harlech (Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech) for wind trio (oboe, clarinet, bassoon)

Categories: , , ,

Description

This is a song and military march which is traditionally said to describe events during the seven-year siege of Harlech Castle between 1461 and 1468. Commanded by Constable Dafydd ap Ieuan, the garrison withstood the longest known siege in the history of the British Isles.
“Through Seven Years” is an alternative name for the song.
The song has also been associated with the earlier, briefer siege of Harlech Castle about 1408, which pitted the forces of Owain Glyndŵr against the future Henry V of England.

Men of Harlech, march to glory,
Victory is hov’ring o’er ye,
Bright-eyed freedom stands before ye,
Hear ye not her call?
At your sloth she seems to wonder;
Rend the sluggish bonds asunder,
Let the war-cry’s deaf’ning thunder
Every foe appall.
Echoes loudly waking,
Hill and valley shaking;
‘Till the sound spreads wide around,
The Saxon’s courage breaking;
Your foes on every side assailing,
Forward press with heart unfailing,
‘Till invaders learn with quailing,
Cambria ne’er can yield!

Wele goelcerth wen yn fflamio
A thafodau tân yn bloeddio
Ar i’r dewrion ddod i daro,
Unwaith eto’n un:
Gan fanllefau’r tywysogion,
Llais gelynion, trwst arfogion,
A charlamiad y marchogion,
Craig ar graig a gryn
Arfon byth ni orfydd,
Cenir yn dragywydd;
Cymru fydd fel Cymru fu,
Yn glodfawr ymysg gwledydd;
‘Ngwyn oleuni’r goelcerth acw,
Tros wefusau Cymro’n marw,
Annibyniaeth sydd yn galw,
Am ei dewraf ddyn.