WILLIAMS, JOHN (Gorfyniawc o Arfon; 1814 - 1878), musician

Name: John Williams
Pseudonym: Gorfyniawc O Arfon
Date of birth: 1814
Date of death: 1878
Parent: Thomas Williams
Gender: Male
Occupation: musician
Area of activity: Music
Author: Robert David Griffith

Born at Tal-y-bont, near Bangor, Caernarfonshire, the son of Thomas Williams, sawyer. He learnt the elements of music in the school of Robert Williams, Carneddi, Llanllechid. When he was 25 he went to Liverpool, where he received further instruction in music from a Thomas Woodward; he also learned some Hebrew. He obtained a post in the offices of the Liverpool gas company and eventually became its chief secretary.

In 1847 he began to issue Y Canrhodydd Cymreig, in parts, but owing to printing difficulties only four parts appeared. In the same year he published a Gramadeg Cerddorol, which proved a financial loss to him. In 1849 he arranged a new edition of Gramadeg Cerddoriaeth (John Mills). He wrote articles on music for Y Gwyddoniadur Cymreig, and composed or arranged hymn-tunes for Telyn Seion (R. Beynon), for Seren Gomer, and for some collections issued by Richard Mills. He adjudicated in various musical festivals and in the Caernarvon national eisteddfod of 1862.

He died 27 March 1878, and was buried in the Liverpool Necropolis.

Author

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-RUU/1.0/

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