OWEN, DAVID (‘Dafydd y Garreg Wen '; 1711/12-1741), harpist;
christened 27 Jan. 1711/12, son of Owen Humphreys of Ynyscynhaearn, Caerns., and Gwen (Roberts), Isallt Fawr, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Caerns. (See J. E. Griffith, Pedigrees, 353). He attained fame both as harpist and as the reputed composer of the airs called ‘Dafydd y Garreg Wen’ (‘David of the White Rock’), ‘Codiad yr Ehedydd’ (‘The rising of the lark’), and ‘Difyrrwch gwŷr Criccieth’ (‘The delight of the men of Criccieth’). He d. in Aug. 1741 and was buried in Ynyscynhaearn churchyard.
Bibliography:
- Edward Jones, Musical Relicks;
- [M. O. Jones, Byw. Cerdd. Cymr.;
- R. Griffith, Llyfr Cerdd Dannau.];
- Cymru (O.M.E.), iii;
- Y Brython, 1862-3;
- Y Cymro, June and July 1949.
Author:
Robert David Griffith, M.A., (1877-1958), Old Colwyn
