Corau Meibion Cor Cymru

-.

-Here's some choral trivia for you,

-Morgan.

-Cor Cymru have had seven winners.

-Not one from North Wales.

-Painful.

-Two from Cardiff and the Vale

-and five from West Wales.

-Not that you're biased, Heledd...

-..but this year many North Wales

-choirs are confident...

-..of seeing that trophy

-in the shadow of Snowdonia...

-..for the next two years.

-It doesn't matter where you're from,

-especially tonight...

-..I must admit, this is high up on

-my list, the male voice choir night.

-There's some fresh blood here

-this year - Cor Johns' Boys.

-Aled, nice to see you back.

-Aled, nice to see you back.

-

-Great to be back.

-Off you go to the stage.

-Good luck to you.

-Come back to the west.

-How can I refuse such an invitation?

-Good evening, Heledd.

-How's the beard?

-How's the beard?

-

-Fairly good, thanks.

-Well looked after?

-Well looked after?

-

-Do you want to try some sauce?

-I'll have some sauce later.

-Bois Ceredigion - the youngsters.

-It's also nice

-to have some experience.

-True enough.

-A few miles on the clock?

-A few miles on the clock?

-

-Oh, yes.

-We'll leave it there.

-Over here!

-Over here!

-

-You wish! Bois Y Castell.

-We finish off with new blood again,

-and their conductor Aled Myrddin.

-How are you, Aled?

-Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-We formed relatively recently.

-We're here for the first time.

-Ready to go. Good luck to you.

-Welcome to the competition.

-Ladies,

-it promises to be some night.

-Lads, good luck to one and all!

-Good evening.

-Four male voice choirs

-ready to impress...

-..our panel

-of esteemed international judges.

-Maestro of the sacred choral music

-world Professor Edward Higginbottom.

-Next, an eclectic composer

-who has two Grammys to his name...

-..Christopher Tin

-And Maria Guinan, an expert in

-Latin and American choral singing.

-Ready to mark the testosterone

-test, we have a soprano star.

-Here to cast her eye on proceedings,

-Elin Manahan Thomas.

-Hello, Elin!

-We'll hear from Elin as soon

-as the first choir has competed.

-These are Johns' Boys but

-who is John and who are the boys?

-Here's the answer.

-The choir is named after two men

-from the village.

-My father John Glyn Williams and my

-friend's father, John Tudor Davies.

-John Glyn was conductor

-of the Orpheus...

-..and John Tudor

-was accompanist of the choir.

-Rhos. Brilliant.

-There are about seven choirs

-in Rhos.

-Six rehearse every week

-in this building.

-Determined.

-Strict.

-Strict.

-

-Keen.

-Perfectionist.

-Knowledge is power.

-A good conductor challenges a choir.

-A good conductor competes.

-I enjoy the challenge.

-We competed in the final

-of BBC Choir of the Year.

-We have confidence

-and we hope to do well in Cor Cymru.

-Best dancers.

-Best dancers.

-

-Peter Pritchard is the best dancer.

-He looks like John Travolta.

-Lloyd is the worst.

-He walks like an old dog.

-Is it me?

-There's a possibility.

-The naughty boy.

-Cracking jokes.

-Breaking wind too.

-Congratulations.

-Congratulations.

-

-The Clown!

-Highlights. Choir of the Year.

-Next, Aberystwyth.

-I have fond memories of Cor Cymru,

-reaching the final...

-..winning prizes

-such as the conductors' prize.

-Not one choir from North Wales

-has won Cor Cymru.

-It's about time, I'd say.

-Johns' Boys.

-It'll be an expensive round if the

-Rhos boys emerge victorious tonight.

-Johns' Boys

-and their conductor Aled Phillips.

-We begin the competition

-with Ernani by Verdi.

-# Evviva!

-It's a powerful piece.

-As a treat, you'll see men

-moving like, well, soldiers.

-# Evviva! Beviam! Beviam!

-# Nel vino cerchiam

-almeno un piacer!

-# Evviva! Beviam! Beviam!

-# Nel vino cerchiam

-almeno un piacer!

-# Che resta al bandito

-da tutti sfuggito

-# Se manca il bicchier?

-# Giuochiamo, che l'oro

-e vano tesoro, qual viene senva

-# Giuochiamo se la vita

-non fa piu gradita ridente belta

-# Per boschi e pendici

-abbiamo soli amici

-# Moschetto e pugnal

-# Quando'esce la notte nell'orride

-grotte ne forman guancial

-# Allegri! Beviam! Beviam! Beviam!

-Beviam! Beviam!

-# Allegri! Beviam! Beviam!

-# Allegri! Beviam! Beviam! Beviam!

-# Nel vino cerchiam,

-cerchiam almeno un piacer

-# Nel vin, nel vin, nel vino

-cerchiamo almeno un piacer!

-# Beviam! Beviam! Nel vino

-cerchiam, cerchiam, cerchiam

-# Almeno un piacer

-# Nel vino cerchiam

-almeno un piacer

-# Nel vino cerchiam

-# Nel vino cerchiam almeno un piacer

-# Nel vino cerchiam almeno un piacer

-# Almeno un piacer

-# Almeno un piacer, nel vino

-cerchiam almeno un piacer

-# Almeno un piacer

-# Nel vino cerchiam almeno un piacer

-# Un piacer

-# Nel vino cerchiam

-# Almeno un piacer

-# Un piacer #

-The next piece is O Salutaris

-Hostia, composed by William Mathias.

-# Uno trinoque Domino

-# Uno trinoque Domino

-# Sit sempiterna

-It's a special piece for me.

-My father, John Glyn Williams...

-..arranged for it to be composed

-by William Mathias.

-He came up to Rhos, to our house...

-..and finished the composition

-on the Sunday after lunch.

-# Uno trinoque Domino

-# Uno trinoque Domino

-# Uno trinoque Domino

-# Domino

-# Domino

-# Uno trinoque

-# Domino

-# O Salutaris Hostia

-# O Salutaris Hostia

-# In patria

-# O Salutaris Hostia #

-The next piece is Dana Dana

-by Bardos.

-It's complex, pacy, lively,

-difficult to sing...

-..but it's important to retain

-the energy right until the end.

-# Hey, get you ready,

-trip with pleasure

-# Thou has ten years

-danced this measure

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danoydom

-# Hey, this young maiden,

-Father hear me!

-# Would I held her ever near me

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, sorrows wound me,

-stab me, sting me

-# Hasten, rose,

-your healing bring me

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Dana dana dana, danadom

-# Dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, be not clever, do not tarry

-# Do not falter, come and marry

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, do not see me,

-nothing matters

-# Children nine

-nor clothes in tatters

-# Hoy, dana danadana dana danodom

-# Hoy, danadana dannoydom

-# Hoy, danadana dannoydom

-# Hoy, dana danadanadom

-# Danadanadanadom, danadanadanadom

-# Danadanadom

-# Hey, night is over,

-day is breaking

-# I am dancing, sleep forsaking

-# Hoy, dana hoy, dana hoy,

-dana danadana

-# Shey, danahoy, shey, danahoy

-# Shey, danahoy, shey, danahoy

-# Dana, danadanahoy

-# Dana, danadanahoy,

-dana, danadanahoy

-# Danahoy! #

-Next, a hymn called And Can It Be?

-# No condemnation now

-This will show how a traditional

-male voice choir sings.

-It'll be a pleasure

-to sing something more melodic.

-# Bold I approach

-# Th'eternal throne

-# And claim the crown

-# Through Christ my own

-# Amazing love!

-# How can it be

-# That Thou, my God

-# Shouldst die for me?

-# Amazing love!

-# How can it be

-# Amazing love! #

-Finally, a folk song.

-Y March Glas by John Brian Hughes,

-the local maestro.

-Technically challenging,

-pacy and difficult to sing.

-What else do you expect

-from Brian Hughes?

-# I've a silk hat from Brecon,

-I'd pay a sovereign for it

-# Ffa la rwdl didl dal,

-ffa la rwdl didl dal

-# Ffa la la la ho ho

-# Ffa la la la ho ho

-# Ffa la la

-# I've a fine coat made in London,

-stitched tightly on my back

-# Ffa la rwdl didl dal,

-ffa la rwdl didl dal

-# Ffa la la la ho ho,

-ffa la la la ho ho

-# Ffa la rwl, ffa la rwl,

-ffa la rwl, ffa la rwl

-# Ffa la rwdl didl dal

-# Ffa la rwl ho

-# Ffa la rwl ho

-# Ffa la rwl, ffa la rwl

-# Ffa la rwdl didl dal

-# Ffa la

-# Rwdl didl dal

-# Ho ho ho #

-What's the secret? Why are there

-so many choirs in the area?

-The tradition of chapels

-and coalmines with choirs.

-We also enjoy singing.

-Must be something in the water.

-Our first visit of the evening

-to Elin Manahan Thomas.

-Did you sense

-the traditional tastes of Rhos?

-Most definitely.

-From the outset,

-they set the context...

-..they gave us drama

-and they wanted to relay a story.

-That's crucial in music.

-It's not just the sound

-but the message of the music.

-The drama of the Verdi

-was excellent.

-They were tight, they moved well

-together and the chords were smooth.

-The tenors are fantastic.

-They have a beautifully fresh sound

-in their voices.

-Their wording was clear.

-There was plenty of variety

-from piece to piece.

-They maintained the atmosphere

-until the final note.

-You referred to the Verdi.

-A drunken song about bandits. Did

-you feel you were there with them?

-Not the bandits,

-maybe the drunkenness.

-They lived the piece, there's

-a soul in everything they sung.

-Plenty of praise.

-Any negatives to their performance?

-It's important to maintain the

-concentration, even in the lulls...

-..and make sure no-one wanders away.

-Don't look as if you don't know

-when to breathe next.

-They finished with March Glas. Are

-they in with a chance of a rosette?

-I'd say so.

-The feedback was wonderful.

-It was a tricky programme to move

-from one style and genre to another.

-It was demanding.

-It was a short time

-to get prepared for the next piece.

-There'll be more boys on stage

-after the break.

-Bois Y Castell join the Cor Cymru

-battle in two minutes' time.

-.

-Subtitles

-Subtitles

-I formed the choir for the 1996

-National Eisteddfod in Llandeilo.

-We began life as a folk choir

-before becoming a male voice choir.

-Farmers, businessmen, teachers.

-After a week or a day at work...

-..we turn up for rehearsal,

-forget our daily troubles...

-..and enjoy the singing.

-We're trying to attract

-young singers to join us.

-We have a few father and sons.

-I joined with Dad

-to get the average age down...

-..and get some eye candy

-at the front.

-We have a lot of fun.

-There are a lot of characters.

-Initially, we didn't recognise

-the black dots on the copy...

-..and what difference there was

-between the notes.

-After 21 years, we understand that

-when a note goes up, we follow it.

-This is our third appearance in

-the final of the male voice choirs.

-None of the judges

-know anything about you.

-The performance -

-that's all that counts.

-She understands singing.

-We won at the Meifod Eisteddfod.

-We won at Llangollen last year.

-We're going for the hat-trick

-this year.

-Whatever the result,

-I hope we can all have a few pints.

-Your round.

-They're eye candy for the girls

-and packed with sweet treats too.

-With Nia Clwyd,

-here are Bois y Castell.

-We begin with a popular piece

-for male voice choirs...

-..Clychau'r Gog by Gareth Glyn.

-It's a challenging piece

-that appeals to the audience.

-# Sweeter than the evening carol

-# From the belfry of Llandygai

-# Stirring upon the breeze

-# Are the mute bells of May

-# That, with their song,

-pervade the mind

-# Oh

-# Would that it would never ebb

-# For when the essence

-of the honeysuckle comes

-# To the night air on its way

-# And a host of harebells comes

-# To the grass

-as they have done before

-# The cuckoo and her bells

-# Won't be here

-# Stirring in the wind #

-The unaccompanied piece comes from

-an earlier time, by Mendelssohn.

-O Lux Beata.

-Singing an unaccompanied piece is

-a challenge for male voice choirs.

-It's a challenge

-to maintain tonality.

-# O Trinity of blessed light

-# Unity of princely might

-# The fiery sun now goes his way

-# Shed Thou within our hearts

-Thy ray

-# To Thee our morning

-song of praise

-# To Thee

-our evening prayer we raise

-# Thy glory suppliant we adore

-# Forever and forevermore

-# All laud to God the Father be

-# All praise, Eternal Son

-# To Thee All glory, as is ever meet

-# To God the Holy Paraclete #

-An arrangement

-of the traditional melody Hiraeth.

-The choir enjoys

-quiet, subtle singing.

-This gives them that opportunity.

-# Gold and silver turn to rust

-# Velvet and silk become worn

-# Every piece of clothing

-becomes frayed and old

-# Yet, still, the longing is endless

-# Longing, longing

-# Longing

-# Great longing #

-Next, we've chosen a spiritual song.

-Derek Jones has arranged

-Every Time I Feel The Spirit.

-It's an opportunity

-for the choir to relax...

-..and enjoy a light-hearted piece.

-# Upon the mountain

-# When my Lord spoke

-# Out of God's mouth

-# Came fire and smoke

-# Looked all around me

-# It looked so fine

-# Till I asked my Lord

-# If all was mine

-# Every time

-# I feel the Spirit

-# Moving in my heart I will pray

-# Yes, every time

-# I feel the Spirit

-# Moving in my heart I will pray

-# In the valley, on my knees

-# Ask my Lord, mercy please

-# Every time

-# I feel the Spirit

-# Moving in my heart I will pray

-# Yes, every time

-# I feel the Spirit

-# Moving in my heart I will pray #

-We complete our repertoire

-with another favourite...

-..Roman War Song by Wagner.

-It's an operatic piece.

-It's a powerful song

-and the boys enjoy singing it.

-# Romans arise

-in bright array assemble

-# Now is the time

-to make the tyrant tremble!

-# Gird on your armour

-in the cause of Right

-# Fearless and faithful

-for your Country fight

-# The trumpets blow

-as forward now we go

-# And gaily march to combat glorious

-# Each heart aglow

-to battle with the foe

-# And to return at last victorious

-# We raise our voices high

-and nobly cry

-# Santo Spirito

-# Cavaliere!

-# Santo Spirito

-# Cavaliere!

-# We forward go to combat glorious

-# And to return at last victorious

-# And to return at last victorious #

-We're not all musical.

-Nia performs miracles with us.

-Not everyone is musical, says Arwyn.

-Some of us are!

-We're a choir that enjoys singing.

-We're not professional.

-It's great being

-at a competition like this.

-We've had two male voice choirs.

-The colour and sound of their voices

-was quite different.

-Bois y Castell

-had a wonderfully sweet sound.

-I could see the pleasure

-they took in singing.

-They just went for it.

-By the end,

-when they raised the roof...

-..there were some really high notes

-and they went for it.

-It was all controlled by Nia.

-Bois y Castell wouldn't be Bois

-y Castell without a call to arms.

-Do they have a chance?

-I like a bit of Wagner

-and I'm glad they liked Wagner too.

-Suddenly, they were real men!

-Back we go to the eye candy!

-Any negatives in the performance?

-Tonality, but that will be true

-throughout the competition.

-It's difficult when you have

-so many men in one place.

-It was a special atmosphere.

-Real eye candy and you're with them

-every Sunday night.

-Look at them! They get

-the pleasure of looking at me!

-Some wonderful comments from Elin.

-That's all you want to hear.

-Comments like that are great

-after a performance.

-You've given people

-musical pleasure.

-The audience is very important.

-It's not just for us, it's important

-to please your audience.

-The boss is happy. Hallelujah!

-The farm factor

-is about to reach the Arts Centre.

-This is the first ever appearance

-for Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-.

-Subtitles

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

-We formed two years ago

-to compete in the Meifod Eisteddfod.

-Machynlleth,

-the best place in the world.

-We're all from farming stock.

-We know how to handle a sheep,

-some more than others.

-Teachers, builders, electricians

-and one insurance guy.

-There's always one and I'm it!

-Thankfully, there's only one.

-Patient. Tidy.

-Cool.

-It's not my choir. It's not

-Huw's choir or Bedwyr's choir.

-It's our choir.

-We're a team.

-He has the patience of a saint.

-We were pretty dire at the start.

-We might still be dire.

-# Is there another goat? #

-He doesn't drag rehearsals out.

-90 minutes

-and then we can have a pint.

-Highlights -

-the choir's first concert.

-First Eisteddfod appearance.

-The three most handsome members.

-That's me there.

-If we reach the final,

-we won't be there.

-Half of us will be lambing

-on the fields or in the sheds.

-If we get there,

-the ten of us will try our best.

-We'll do our best

-if we reach the final.

-It'll be an honour and

-a privilege... for the judges too.

-They can handle a sheep but

-are they ready for Heledd Cynwal?

-The conductor is Aled Myrddin.

-Here's Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-We begin with Gareth Glyn's

-Heriwn, Wynebwn Y Wawr.

-It's a powerful song.

-It suits the choir.

-# Many,

-so many are those who maintain

-# That the fire purifies

-# And the flames won't keep burning

-# For long

-Every voice has an important role

-in the choir.

-They come together for the finale.

-I hope this get us off

-on the right foot.

-# Now all around us

-the snow disappears

-# It's a dawn that will wake us

-# A sun that will warm us

-# A day that will light us a fire

-# A day that will light us a fire

-# Onward, forward to the morrow

-# Casting all doubting away

-# Fiery of spirit

-# Our hearts fill with song

-# For the future's beginning

-# For the future's beginning

-# Beginning

-# For the future's beginning,

-beginning

-# Beginning

-# Today

-# Today #

-Our unaccompanied piece

-is Ubi Caritas.

-This is a very challenging piece.

-There's a lot of weaving

-throughout the choir.

-Keeping the tonality

-is very difficult.

-# Et ex corde diligamus

-# Nos sincero

-# Et ex corde diligamus

-# Nos sincero

-# Ubi caritas et amor

-# Deus ibi est

-# Congre gavit

-nos inunum Christi amor

-# Christi amor

-# A-men #

-An upbeat song - What Shall We Do

-With a Drunken Sailor?

-We have one drunk in the choir. -

-not usually.

-We want to show we can sing

-light-hearted songs...

-..to a high standard.

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-with the drunken sailor?

-# Way hay, and up she rises,

-way hay, and up she rises

-# Way hay, and up she rises

-early in the morning

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

-# What shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

-# What shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

-# What shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

-# Early in the morning

-# Pull out the plug

-and wet him all over

-# Pull out the plug

-and wet him all over

-# Pull out the plug and wet him

-all over early in the morning

-# Way hay, and up she rises,

-way hay, and up she rises

-# Way hay, and up she rises

-early in the morning

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-# With a drunken sailor? #

-Our next piece is Dana Dana.

-It's a pacy energetic song.

-It's unaccompanied

-and the choir has to work hard...

-..with voices

-singing across each other.

-# Hey, get you ready,

-trip with pleasure

-# Thou has ten years

-danced this measure

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danoydom

-# Hey, this young maiden,

-Father hear me!

-# Would I held her ever near me

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, sorrows wound me,

-stab me, sting me

-# Hasten, rose,

-your healing bring me

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Dana dana dana, danadom,

-dana dana dana, danadom

-# Dana dana dana, danadom,

-dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, be not clever, do not tarry

-# Do not falter, come and marry

-# Hoy, hoy dana dana dana, danadom

-# Hey, do not see me,

-nothing matters

-# Children nine

-nor clothes in tatters

-# Hoy, dana danadana dana danoidom

-# Hoy, danadana dannoydom

-# Hoy, danadana dannoydom

-# Hoy, dana danadanadom

-# Danadanadanadom, danadanadanadom

-# Danadanadanadom, danadanadanadom

-# Hey, night is over,

-day is breaking

-# I am dancing, sleep forsaking

-# Hoy, dana hoy, dana hoy,

-dana danadana

-# Shey, danahoy, shey, danahoy

-# Shey, danahoy, shey, danahoy

-# Dana, danadanahoy

-# Dana, danadanahoy

-# Dana, danadanahoy

-# Danahoy! #

-We finish our repertoire

-with a hymn, O Iesu Mawr.

-It was one of the first pieces

-we learnt as a choir.

-I hope it closes a strong repertoire

-and shows us at our best.

-# All graces

-that the church can know

-# In heav'n above or earth below

-# I claim them all as my due right

-# If I possess thy nature's might

-# I'll cling to Thee

-while I have breath

-# I'll praise the virtues

-of Thy death

-# I'll bear the cross,

-I'll breast the tide

-# If Thous thyself in me abide

-# Amen

-# Amen

-# Amen

-# Amen #

-I'm speechless.

-My voice has gone.

-Congratulations.

-Everyone was clapping here.

-They're very generous.

-They'll clap anything these days.

-What kind of experience

-was it on stage?

-It was a memorable experience.

-It's nice singing

-with the other choirs.

-They're so professional.

-What I like about this choir

-is they sing naturally.

-It's powerful singing.

-Aled knows

-how to achieve the best sound...

-..and understands men's voices.

-He allows them to create a personal

-sound and binds them together.

-That gives him more control...

-..and it helps the singers relax.

-Tonight, especially,

-they had an honest sound.

-The vowels were very clear.

-There was a lovely ping

-when they raised the roof.

-There was spirit and soul.

-They were sensitive and careful

-when they had to be.

-The choir is full of farmers.

-Did they milk every note?

-Oh, Morgan!

-This is a large choir but they moved

-together, breathed together...

-..and started their notes together

-very cleanly.

-I was listening out for that.

-They're worried that if they reach

-the final, many will be missing.

-Are they on to a winner?

-Morgan, no. That's enough.

-Your puns are terrible.

-Good comments for us.

-We're here for the first time

-and we're comfortable as a choir.

-We're on the right track.

-Good luck with the lambing.

-I won't be doing anything!

-I have no idea what to do.

-Bois Ceredigion

-are the next choir on stage.

-They close the competition

-after the break.

-.

-Subtitles

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

-We're Bois Ceredigion,

-not Ceredigion male voice choir.

-That's how I've always seen them.

-They're a glee gang.

-They're not a traditional

-male voice choir.

-We're 10 in number.

-We have a different sound.

-I hope we offer

-something different too.

-Many highlights -

-singing in Hungary.

-Down to the Eden Project

-in Cornwall.

-Singing at the Thousand Voices

-Festival in the Albert Hall.

-Islwyn is unique.

-Islwyn is unique.

-

-Late!

-Laidback. Comfy.

-Committed.

-Forgets keyboards.

-Islwyn's been part of our lives

-since we were quite young.

-Last ten years,

-more than that, 15, 20 years.

-He's given so much

-to local youngsters.

-There's no doubt about that.

-Newcastle Emlyn.

-Best place in the world.

-We're all scattered now but

-it's nice to come home to sing.

-When the call comes to return,

-it feels so natural to join in.

-Why do they call me the choir clown?

-Bry.

-I take things seriously.

-DJ Bry.

-DJ Bry.

-

-Too serious.

-My brother.

-My brother.

-

-When Islwyn shouts, I'll kick off.

-Poni.

-The secret to our success

-is not rehearsing too much.

-I work hard with other choirs.

-With the boys, I put them on stage

-and the women and mothers melt.

-West is best.

-The Wild West boys

-are ready to melt some hearts.

-Islwyn Evans is here

-to raise the temperature.

-Bois Ceredigion.

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting

-We open our repertoire with a song

-I heard from a capella group Cantus.

-It was written

-by one of their former singers...

-..just before rehearsal one day

-as they were preparing to record.

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# I can tell by your friendly faces

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# Well, I went down

-to the valley one day

-# Well, I went down

-to the valley one day

-# Met old Satan on my way

-# Met old Satan on my way

-# What do you reckon

-old Satan did say

-# What do you reckon

-old Satan did say

-# Turn back, young lad,

-you're too young to pray

-# You're too young to pray,

-you're too young to pray

-# There's a meeting here tonight

-# There's a meeting here tonight

-# I can tell by your friendly faces

-# There's a meeting here tonight

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# Hallelujah

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting

-# There is a meeting here tonight

-# There is a meeting here tonight #

-The next piece will be more familiar

-to the audience.

-Huntsmen's Chorus by Weber.

-A traditional male voice choir song.

-# Diana is present

-to brighten the night

-# Her darkness cools us

-like any refreshment in the day

-# To fell the bloody wolf,

-and the boar who greedily roots

-# Through the green crops

-# Is joy for a prince,

-is real man's desire

-# It strengthens your limbs

-and spices your food

-# When woods and rocks

-resound all about us

-# A full goblet sings a freer

-and happier song!

-# Yo, ho! Trala-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# Trala-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# Trala-la-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la!

-# La-la-la-la-la-la! #

-Next, a piece that's loved by

-thousands and thousands of people.

-Joseph Parry's arrangement, Myfanwy.

-Enough said.

-# Myfanwy,

-may your life entirely be

-# Beneath the midday sun's

-bright glow

-# And may a blushing rose of health

-# Dance on your cheek

-a hundred years

-# I forget all your words of promise

-# You made to someone,

-my pretty girl

-# So give me your hand

-# My sweet Myfanwy

-# For no more but to say

-# Farewell #

-I heard Il Divo singing

-the next piece.

-A big show number for X Factor.

-I thought,

-"If they can do it, so can we."

-Here's our version

-of Nella Fantasia.

-# Nella fantasia

-# Esiste un vento caldo

-# Che soffia sulle citta

-# Come amico

-# Lo sogno d'anime

-# Che sono sempre libere

-# Come le nuvole

-# Che volano

-# Pien d'umanita

-# In fondo

-# All'anima #

-Finally, an old favourite.

-Seasons of Love from Rent.

-Their faces lit up when they heard

-we were singing it again.

-# In truth that she learned

-or in times that he tried

-# In bridges he burned

-or the way that he died

-# It's time now to sing out

-though the story never ends

-# Let's celebrate, remember a year

-in the life of friends

-# Remember the love?

-# Remember the love?

-# Remember the love?

-# Measure in love, measure in love

-# Five hundred twenty-five thousand

-six hundred minutes

-# How do you measure a year?

-# In daylights, in sunsets,

-in midnights, in cups of coffee

-# In inches, in miles,

-in laughter, in strife?

-# How do you measure

-a year in the life?

-# Measure in love

-# Seasons of love

-# Love #

-Four choirs have sung.

-After the break, we hear

-Elin Manahan Thomas' thoughts...

-..we join the Ceredigion boys

-backstage, and the result!

-.

-Subtitles

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

-Welcome back to Aberystwyth.

-Bois Ceredigion are backstage.

-It's been a very strong competition.

-We enjoyed listening on the balcony.

-We had four great choirs.

-Is it nice being able to socialise

-with the others backstage?

-Definitely. There's no animosity

-in the choral world.

-We're all friends, we enjoy singing.

-They're slick, the choreography

-is wonderful, it all comes together.

-I have to emphasise, that doesn't

-detract from how musical they are.

-Sometimes,

-we just see and forget to listen.

-They didn't lose their focus

-or tonality.

-They sung together so perfectly.

-They told a story beautifully.

-Islwyn takes risks with them.

-Myfanwy means something different

-to all of us.

-They sung it unaccompanied,

-there were less of them...

-..but they created a wonderful sound

-and a fantastic ambience.

-The highlight for me was the Weber,

-I love Weber.

-There were wonderful

-legato shapes and sentencing.

-They produced new colour and

-then we ended up on the West End.

-They can do a little of everything.

-That's lovely to see.

-One of their secrets

-is not over rehearsing.

-I heard that. I don't believe it.

-They worked extremely hard

-but still made it look simple.

-They were very kind.

-You close a very strong competition.

-It's been varied in terms

-of the choirs' repertoires.

-It'll be interesting to see

-what the judges choose.

-Our strength is playing

-to the numbers we have.

-We can't compete

-against the big choral sound...

-..but we made the best

-of our resources.

-After the noise, came silence.

-The performances are over

-and our international judges...

-..head off to discuss, debate

-and choose their favourite choir.

-Professor Edward Higginbottom

-was the first person...

-..to become Professor of

-Choral Music in Oxford University.

-After recording over 100 CDs...

-..he's an international-renowned

-expert in sacred choral music.

-Award-winning Maria Guinan

-comes from Venezuela.

-She's a consultant

-and coordinator of El Sistema...

-..a project where the

-less fortunate are given...

-..musical education

-and opportunities.

-Composer Christopher Tin

-has won two Grammys...

-..one for composing music for

-a video game for the song Baba Yetu.

-After discussing, one choir has

-caught the attention of all three.

-This evening's winner

-impressed me and the jury...

-..by singing as a single man.

-They spoke strongly of what they

-intended to do with their music.

-The winning choir

-could have been one of two choices.

-It was

-a difficult decision to make.

-The runner-up choir ran over time

-by a significant amount.

-That factored heavily

-into our decision-making process.

-The winning choir

-had a wonderful vocal instrument.

-A collection of big voices,

-a strong foundation...

-..with the sound weaved beautifully.

-The four conductors

-look on patiently and hopefully.

-First, let's hear from Elin.

-For me, head and heart,

-Bois Ceredigion.

-Do the trio agree

-with Elin Manahan Thomas?

-Professor Higginbottom...

-..the result, please.

-The winner is...

-..Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-Congratulations.

-You've won the male voice choir

-competition - how do you feel?

-I wasn't expecting that,

-I really wasn't.

-It's an honour.

-You have a problem.

-Final or lambing?

-We'll be here, we'll be here.

-Celebrate in style, congratulations.

-Well done, Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-That's all for tonight

-from Aberystwyth.

-Our thanks go to all the choirs.

-The judges' comments

-can be found on S4C's website.

-We leave you tonight

-in the sound of the winning choir...

-..Cor Meibion Machynlleth.

-Goodnight.

-# I'll bear the cross,

-I'll breast the tide

-# If Thous thyself in me abide

-# Amen

-# Amen

-# Amen

-# Amen #

-S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.

-.