Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
This video is intended for educational use only; please email me at pranav.sivakumar@berkeley.edu regarding any copyright issues.
Performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes
Grace Williams (1906-1977) was a Welsh composer, often considered Wales's most notable female composer. Although influenced by the writing of her teacher Ralph Vaughan Williams, she carved out her own musical niche by incorporating elements from Welsh folk music. Read more about Williams on my blog: unknowncomposers.org/2019/12/25/grace-williams-a-20th-century-composer-who-embraced-welsh-national-identity
Dedicated to the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, "Penillion" is arguably Williams' greatest work (although there are many contenders!) Each of the four movements follows a form of the titular Welsh tradition of vocal improvisation, in which a singer or small group sings a countermelody over a harp line. It is quite remarkable how Williams transforms the aesthetic of a small-ensemble folk tradition into a rich and full orchestra sound, that too with a relatively small orchestra!
This video is intended for educational use only; please email me at pranav.sivakumar@berkeley.edu regarding any copyright issues.
Performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes
Grace Williams (1906-1977) was a Welsh composer, often considered Wales's most notable female composer. Although influenced by the writing of her teacher Ralph Vaughan Williams, she carved out her own musical niche by incorporating elements from Welsh folk music. Read more about Williams on my blog: unknowncomposers.org/2019/12/25/grace-williams-a-20th-century-composer-who-embraced-welsh-national-identity
Dedicated to the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, "Penillion" is arguably Williams' greatest work (although there are many contenders!) Each of the four movements follows a form of the titular Welsh tradition of vocal improvisation, in which a singer or small group sings a countermelody over a harp line. It is quite remarkable how Williams transforms the aesthetic of a small-ensemble folk tradition into a rich and full orchestra sound, that too with a relatively small orchestra!
