Monday, February 28, 2011

G IS FOR...

...GYMANFA GANU
Most people who know what special day it is today (March 1st) will also probably know that a Gamanfa Ganu is a Welsh cultural tradition, usually a hymn singing festival, characterized by choral singing in four part harmony. The hymns or Welsh songs are usually sung in Welsh, which is a bit daunting, but don't let that put you off.  It is magnificent choral singing  with the community joining in.  Even better is when a Male Voice Choir sings the old Welsh hymns, many of which are written in the minor key -- very dramatic.


You may be surprised to know that GYMANFA GANUS are held in many parts of the United States and Canada and not necessarily on St. David's Day which is March 1st, the special day of St. David, the Patron Saint of Wales.  


So glad our 'G' day arrived on St. David's Day.  Now sit back and listen to this Male Voice Choir singing the Welsh National Anthem.





The Letter 'G' is brought to you by courtesy of Mrs. Nesbitt and her ABC Wednesday crew.
Click on her name to visit more fascinating examples of the letter 'G'

19 comments:

photowannabe said...

That was stiring and quite wonderful. I really love hearing men sing in harmony.
Thanks for the info and wishes for the Welsh special day.

snafu said...

I never knew that, and my No.1 son lives in Wales. Getting to visit him has become more expensive recently, it now costs £5.70p to cross the bridge into Wales but it is free to get back. Are the Welsh trying to tell us something?

snafu said...

By the way - a St David’s day story-
One of my teachers was a Welshman, a Mr Reece. He said that when he was at school, (which must have been in the 1930s} on St David’s day all the children wore a leek on their lapel, one of the traditional Welsh emblems. He said that by the afternoon most of the boy’s leeks were considerably shorter because they nibbled them during classes. Not my favourite snack, but times were hard then.

Autumn Leaves said...

Wish I had time to listen but hopefully I won't forget this is here! Thanks for the info; I hadn't heard of this but am glad to know!

Elizabeth said...

Wonderful...Welsh male voice choirs always send a tingle down my spine! Laughing at Snafu's little stories, too! x

Sylvia K said...

That is SO beautiful! And I have a serious case of chill bumps down my spine! I love it! Thanks for sharing that along with the information about Gymanfa Ganu! Love Snafu's stories, too!! Delightful post for the G Day, Chris!

Sylvia
ABC Team

Jane and Chris said...

Yup...got goosebumps!
Jane x

Tumblewords: said...

Great post! So much to learn in this world - thanks for your post!

Hildred said...

Oh, thank you for this wonderful treat, - I have shivers, listening to those magnificent Welsh voices. I'm glad St. David's day coincided to nicely with the letter G

Roger Owen Green said...

something about male choruses which are just thrilling.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Shady Gardener said...

Wow! Are you Welsh? I LOVE hearing men sing. This was very special - thank you. :-)

Rinkly Rimes said...

What wonderful singing. There's nothing like a Welsh choir!

Mona said...

great song thanks for sharing not so familiar, nice one for G entry.

Dhemz said...

nice! good to know some information...thanks for sharing.

Great to be here. Hope you can take a look at my ABC Wednesday entry as well. Thanks!

Martha said...

I have never heard of GYMANFA GANUS. I learned something new today. :)

Morning's Minion said...

Our home town during the Vermont years was near a region where many Welsh families had settled a generation earlier to quarry slate--on the border of Vermont and "up-state" New York.
During the 1980's and early 90's I regularly attended the gymanfa ganus hosted alternately by a church in Granville, NY or Poultney, VT. At the earliest of these gatherings that I attended, there were still older members of the congregations who could read a Psalm or offer prayer in Welsh. These were male choirs--the sound of a hymn such as Calon Lan or, at the close, Land of My Fathers, is one of the most memorable musical experiences I have known.

Anonymous said...

Very nice post. I enjoyed the singing too.

Leslie: said...

Having some Welsh blood, I always knew about St. David's Day but not about this. I've heard the Welshmen's Choir sing and they are amazing! Have a wonderful week,

Leslie
ABCW Team

Beverley Baird said...

This is new to me! Love the men's choir - their voices are amazing! thanks for such a stirring post for G!