0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:04- # 'THE MARTYRS OF THE ARENA' - - Laurent de Rille. #
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- We Welsh sing our national anthem - with a passion...
0:00:22 > 0:00:28- ..most notably on match days, - here at the Millennium Stadium.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- Our national arena compares - with the coliseums of the Romans.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- Some musical pieces have the same - emotional and dramatic appeal...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..as any national anthem.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- 'Martyrs Of The Arena' has been a - choral favourite for over a century.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- In Roman times, - Christians were thrown to the lions.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- There was no ref - just an emperor!
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- His red card - was a down-turned thumb!
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Today, our international football - and rugby players represent us.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- But at one time, our choirs - represented us throughout the world.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- Audiences would be enthralled - at their operatic choruses.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24- The singers took on the roles - of soldiers, sailors and thieves.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- They could also sing - from their hearts like slaves.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- # "VA, PENSIERO (THE CHORUS OF THE - HEBREW SLAVES)" - Giuseppe Verdi. #
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- I don't think Verdi ever visited - the Rhondda...
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- ..but if he had, he would have been - as warmly welcomed in Maerdy...
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- ..as he was in Milan.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- His operatic choruses appealed - to Wales's industrial workers.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- They were slaves, to some extent, - just like the Hebrews of old.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- But they were ruled by ironmasters - and colliery owners.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- The Welsh male voice choirs formed - when Verdi was in his prime...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- ..Victoria was on the throne - in England...
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- ..and coal was king in Wales.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Its throne was here in the Rhondda.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- The Valleys began to sing - as soon the first load of coal...
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- ..left Treherbert's Bute Colliery - in 1855.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- The results were impressive.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- There were fewer than 1,000 people - living in the Rhondda in 1851.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- Within 60 years, - the population was 150,000.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- Most were young, single men.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- They rented a room near the - front door in terraced houses.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- After work, they left - through that front door...
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- ..to join a rugby team, - a band or a choir.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- The new communities created - in the Rhondda and in the Valleys...
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- ..in the late 19th century - had several special characteristics.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- The community revolved - around the coalfields.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- During this period, - the coal industry grew rapidly.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- It became a huge industry.
0:03:53 > 0:04:01- Many young, single men moved to - the area to work in the coal mines.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- What happened in society mirrored - what happened in the coal industry.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- It was a predominantly male society.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- It was a society - which respected skill.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Different levels of skills - were required in the coal industry.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- It was an energetic society - which enjoyed a spectacle.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29- This was reflected in the way men - congregated in their spare time.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- They formed rugby teams, - football teams and brass bands.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- Competition was an integral part - of society and recreation.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- Competition was a way - of creating a local identity...
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- ..among the population.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- Brass bands and choirs - competed in eisteddfodau.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- It helped develop - a sense of local identity.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- The first edition of 'Y Cerddor' - in 1889 made references...
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- ..to male voice choirs in Brynaman, - Gilfach Goch, Cwmafan...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- ..Kenfig Hill, Pontycymmer, - Dowlais, Treorchy...
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- ..Treherbert, Ferndale - and Tylorstown.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- All in coal mining areas, - four of which were in the Rhondda.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- One of the choirs would gain - international recognition.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- CHORAL SINGING
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Rhondda is renowned - for its coal and its choirs.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- In the early 1880s, a group - of young men from Treorchy...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..would meet and sing here, - in the Red Cow.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- They needed proper - musical leadership.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- They invited a man called - William Thomas to conduct them.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- Thomas had sung with Caradog's - choir and he was teetotal.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- He agreed to conduct them - if they left the pub...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- ..and followed him - to Glyncoli Road schoolhouse.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00- Amazingly, Treorchy Male Voice Choir - still rehearse there twice a week.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- # On the breeze - a sound is stealing...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- 'Comrades In Arms' - was the first piece they learned.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- They sang it - in their first eisteddfod - and won.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- Caradog was the adjudicator.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- It is still a favourite - with male voice choirs.
0:06:20 > 0:06:27- # Let no clamour broadly peeling,
0:06:28 > 0:06:36- # Disturb the strain melodious.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42- # Companions now in arms,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- # Comrades, comrades,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- # Companions in arms.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- The rivalry between neighbouring - villages was the most fierce.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Major battles were fought - when Treorchy came up against...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..Ton Pentre, Ystrad - and the Rhondda Glee Men.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- They worked together in harmony - under ground.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- At important eisteddfodau, - when local pride was at stake...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- ..there was little love lost.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- On one occasion, - the Rhondda Glee Men...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..attacked the Treorchy - Male Voice Choir...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- ..as they left an eisteddfod - in Porth.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- # Our arms we raise, - our arms we raise.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- # Should discord - bring her arms around us,
0:07:30 > 0:07:36- # All foes invade...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- With local pride evident - in their choirs...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- ..rousing choruses - bred fierce competition.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49- # Guide us and aid...
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- Crowds of 15,000 would sit or stand - for four to five hours...
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- ..listening to a choral competition.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- When Treorchy triumphed at - the National Eisteddfod in 1895...
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- ..Sir Joseph Barnaby of London's - Royal Choral Society announced...
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- ..that it was the finest singing - he had ever heard.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- That performance earned the choir - a Royal Command...
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- ..to sing for Queen Victoria - at Windsor Castle...
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- ..a few months later.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- Twenty years earlier, - thanks to Caradog's great choir...
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- ..Valleys' singing had astonished - listeners at the Crystal Palace.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Now, thanks - to William Thomas's choir...
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- ..a similar impression was made - at Buckingham Palace.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- Treorchy were the first choir - to sing for the Queen...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..but the Glee Men - were fiercely proud...
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- ..of the feat they had achieved - two years earlier.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55- When the Glee Men beat Treorchy...
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- ..at the National Eisteddfod - in Pontypridd in 1893...
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- ..they received a prize far greater - than a trophy or a baton.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10- They received tickets to sail - to the World Fair in Chicago.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- The World Fair - was a huge exhibition...
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- ..of the latest in technology, - industry and the arts.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- The Glee Men showcased - Welsh culture at its finest...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..on an international stage.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- The National Eisteddfod had been - in existence for the past 40 years.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Choral singing played an integral - part in the Eisteddfod's culture.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- It felt like they were taking an - international team out of Wales...
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- ..to participate in these Olympics.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- They were very aware of this.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- They were performing in front - of nations from around the world.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- They wanted to create - a good impression.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Although they weren't part - of a large nation...
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- ..they wanted to show - that it was a special nation.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- For the first time, Welsh culture - was put on a world stage.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- It was as if the Welsh rugby team - played in the World Cup.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- # Fly with them - to meet the foe before ye,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- # Be true and brave - and win the fight,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- # Be true and brave - and win the fight,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- # Be true and brave - and win the fight.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- Two other choirs joined the Glee - Men on the voyage to America.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- The Penrhyn Male Voice Choir - from Bethesda...
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- ..and Madam Clara Novello Davies's - Welsh women's choir.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- This was a huge adventure for most.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Many had never been further - than Cardiff or Liverpool.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- But they knew that Welsh choirs - had made their mark in London.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- This was an opportunity to make - an impression on the world stage.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- # Win the fight, win the fight,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- # Comrades, comrades in arms,
0:11:00 > 0:11:09- # Comrades in arms. #
0:11:15 > 0:11:15- 888
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- 888- - 888
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- In 1893, a ship packed with - Welsh singers arrived in the USA.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- They were there for the World Fair.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- This is where they came - Chicago.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- In 1893, it was home - to almost two million people.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- It was America's - second largest city...
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- ..Poland's second largest city, - and Germany's fifth largest city.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- And then there were - the Irish, the Italians...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..the Russians, - the Hungarians and the Welsh.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- The Fair was meant to present - an united Chicago to the world.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- The Welsh wanted to contribute - to that idea.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- The 12,000-strong Welsh community - decided to hold an eisteddfod...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- ..to show that they were Welsh - and American.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- This would be an opportunity - for the Welsh exiles in Chicago...
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- ..to show Americans - Welsh culture at its best.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- There was only a handful of them.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- The Welsh in Chicago made up - less than 1% of its population.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- But when they heard that the World - Fair was coming to Chicago...
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- ..they decided to form fellowships.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- They wanted to let Chicago know - that they were there...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- ..and that they had a culture - to celebrate.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- For the miners and the quarrymen, - this truly was a new world.
0:12:50 > 0:12:57- This world was totally different - to the one familiar to them.
0:12:57 > 0:13:05- In the 19th century, Chicago grew - to be America's second largest city.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- From the middle - of the century onwards...
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- ..the population set about - building a new, modern city.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- They had skyscrapers and trams.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- The first skyscrapers - were built in Chicago.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- The skyline was enough to frighten - the vertically challenged!
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- It was only a village - 50 years earlier...
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- ..but as the railways expanded, - the population grew to a million.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- It was the archetypal - grand civic centre.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- Arriving in Chicago must have - been an exciting experience...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- ..for the visitors from the Rhondda.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- This is where the World Fair - and the Eisteddfod were held...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- ..about six or seven miles - south of the city.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- We're on the Midway presence - - the renowned South Side.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12- This is the University of Chicago, - where I once studied and lived.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- At the time, I didn't know how - influential the Welsh had been here.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- After a serious fire, which - almost destroyed Chicago in 1871...
0:14:23 > 0:14:29- ..the Fair would recreate - civic identity and national pride.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- The purpose of the Fair - was to exhibit and celebrate...
0:14:35 > 0:14:43- ..America's superiority in the world - of trade, technology and industry.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- They built a complete city - to host the Fair.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- It was called the White City.
0:14:50 > 0:14:56- This area alone - measured 1,000 acres.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- It consisted of buildings - that were admired...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- ..and talked about around the world.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- The Welsh in Chicago had a deep - understanding...
0:15:10 > 0:15:11- ..of their significance - within the United States.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- They saw the eisteddfod - as a perfect opportunity...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..to show off their importance...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- ..among the nations - of the United States.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28- They persuaded - the World Fair's authorities...
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- ..to hold a grand eisteddfod.
0:15:33 > 0:15:40- Each nation represented at the Fair - was allocated a day...
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- ..to showcase its culture.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Wales was given four!
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- That was the eisteddfod.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- It was an opportunity - to show how Wales could sing.
0:15:51 > 0:15:58- All the publicity was channelled - towards the choral competitions.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- 27,000,000 people visited the Fair.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- That was around a quarter - of America's population at the time.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- 40,000 of the visitors - were Welsh Americans.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- The choral competitions - were the main attraction.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- The choirs from Pittsburgh, - Wilkesbury...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- ..Edwardsville in Pennsylvania, - Salt Lake City and Iowa...
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- ..all had Welsh connections.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- The Welsh representatives - were the quarrymen of Penrhyn...
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- ..and the miners of the Rhondda.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- What better set piece - than a song written...
0:16:45 > 0:16:51- ..by the composer - from Merthyr Tydfil, Joseph Parry?
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- # "THE PILGRIM'S CHORUS" - - Joseph Parry. #
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- 'The Pilgrim's Chorus' illustrated - Joseph Parry's ability...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..of composing choral pieces for - Welsh choirs and their audiences...
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- ..that would be popular - on both sides of the Atlantic.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- In Wales, - choirs had a global outlook.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- The coal, extracted by the Rhondda - Glee Men...
0:17:16 > 0:17:16- The coal, extracted by the Rhondda - Glee Men...- - ..from the depths of the earth...
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- ..from the depths of the earth...
0:17:18 > 0:17:19- ..from the depths of the earth...- - ..was an important element - of the world's economy.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..was an important element - of the world's economy.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- There was great anticipation - in the Fair...
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- ..particularly among those in the - Festival Hall for the choral event..
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..of the performance - of Welsh choirs.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- What did Welsh choirs - have to offer world culture?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- The answer was - enough to win.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- The Penrhyn choir blamed - the Windy City for blowing away...
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- ..their accompanist's copy - of the music.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- The Rhondda boys claimed the Penrhyn - choir sounded flat well before that!
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- The Glee Men emerged victorious.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- The Glee Men had confirmed Wales's - reputation as the Land of Song.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- After the highs of Chicago...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..they returned - to the reality of the coalface...
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- ..to meet the global demand - for the coal...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- ..that was exported - from Cardiff Docks.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- This was the city's golden age. It - was known as the Chicago of Wales.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- It had impressive imperial-looking - buildings at Cathays Park.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- In their time, - they were as imposing...
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- ..as any of - the Bay's cutting-edge buildings...
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- ..which reflect the current - confidence within Wales.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- In keeping with the sense - of self-importance in Cardiff...
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- ..was this great concert hall - - the Park Hall.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- It could hold an audience of 2,000.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- Here, in 1903, an international male - voice choir competition was held.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- 17 choirs competed.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- The adjudicator was - Monsieur Laurent de Rille...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..composer of the eternal favourite - - 'The Martyrs of the Arena'.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- At the end of the afternoon...
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- ..Monsieur de Rille invited the six - victorious choirs on to the stage...
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- ..to sing - 'The Martyrs of the Arena'.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- The Frenchman expressed - his astonishment...
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- ..that men who had given - their all in the mines...
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- ..regained their strength - by singing.
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- Not even the smoke of the Rhondda - could stifle their love of music.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- It was not unusual - for a leading European musician...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- ..to visit Cardiff during this time.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- In the years before the overseas - market for Welsh coal collapsed...
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- ..Cardiff was one - of the world's most important ports.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- It was on a par with Hamburg, - Marseilles and Chicago.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- Its architecture was striking.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Its commercial life never waned.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- It had a wide range - of popular entertainment...
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- ..from sport to early cinema.
0:20:17 > 0:20:23- One of the earliest cowboy films - inspired our choirs.
0:20:26 > 0:20:34- # We'll cross - the redman's wild domain. #
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- New markets, a new culture.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- This was music - which spoke of desert lands.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Our choirs now sang - about the prairies.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- This was a modern, progressive - forward-looking society.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- The powerful chorus - of Maldwyn Price's composition...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..'Crossing The Plain', illustrated - how the choral tradition...
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- ..could adapt to the new, - popular culture of its day.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- # To hunt white men by day or night,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- # To take their scalps - is his delight,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- # To take their scalps - is his delight.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- # To take their scalps - is his delight.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- # Who in his wigwam stirs his bow,
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- # His quiver filling forth to go.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- # To hunt white men by day or night,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- # To take their scalps - is his delight.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- # To hunt white men... #
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- The golden age of choral singing...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..happened as a result of - the Industrial Revolution in Wales.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- This was the backdrop - for the growth of our choirs.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- It also helped people challenge and - overcome their grim surroundings.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- They created beauty in a place - where there was so little.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- # To hunt white men by day or night,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- # To take their scalps - is his delight. #
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- But the good days did not last.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- After the First World War, - in the '20s and '30s...
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- ..the valleys of south Wales - would suffer...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..economic uncertainty - and mass unemployment.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- You would not expect - an enthusiasm for singing...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..in such circumstances.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- But that was not the case - - by a long shot...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- ..as we'll find out next week.
0:22:35 > 0:22:41- # We'll sing the carols of the free.
0:22:44 > 0:22:51- # In weal or woe, where'er we be,
0:22:51 > 0:22:59- # We'll sing - the carols of the free. #
0:22:59 > 0:23:01