0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- # We'll sail
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- # On the wings of prayer
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- # To Bethlehem #
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- The singing of Plygain carols...
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- ..is rooted deeply - in Welsh folk music tradition...
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- ..nowhere more so - than here in Montgomeryshire.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- The original name refers to - a Christmas morning church service.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- The services are held nowadays...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..in the evenings - during December and January.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- # Sing joyful praises - to Jesus, our Saviour #
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- The Plygain was once - commonplace all over Wales.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- But the tradition remains strong - in north-east Montgomeryshire.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- The carols have been passed down - from generation to generation...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- ..for more than four centuries.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- # To conquer our enemies
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- # He came down - from heaven to earth #
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Rhys Mwyn is originally - from Llanfair Caereinion.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- The 1970s and 1980s punk rocker...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..has been an influential - and controversial figure...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..in the contemporary Welsh music - scene for the past 20 years.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- I remember thinking in 1982 we - should look at traditional elements.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- In a way, during that time...
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- ..people began to experiment - with music from all over the world.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- I wasn't influenced by the cultural - traditions of Montgomeryshire.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- In fact, I rebelled - against all that was traditional.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- We've played cultural catch-up - to reach this point.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- We can now progress...
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- ..from promoting Welsh language - rock music to start experimenting.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- This project involves me searching - for and focusing on my roots.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- Having always ignored - the Plygain tradition...
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- ..Rhys has decided to immerse - himself in Plygain carols.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- He's hosting an evening - of Plygain singing...
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- ..with contemporary folk musicians - and traditional Plygain singers.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- He wants to record the evening at - Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa church...
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- ..five days - after the Plygain Fawr service.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- This is the highlight - of the tradition's annual calendar.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- # May the residents - of the earth unite in song #
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- But how far will Rhys's Plygain - stray from Plygain conventions?
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Traditionally, - the service is open to everyone.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- No programme - is prepared beforehand.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- Everyone sings unaccompanied.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- There may be a variety of - soloists, duets, trios, quartets...
0:03:01 > 0:03:02- ..but no choir.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- A tuning fork pitches the note - rather than an organ.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- Repeating either a tune or words - is disallowed.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- They must always sing with a copy.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- The technique - should be simple and unassuming...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..in keeping with the principle - of folk singing and cerdd dant.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- I'm arranging - an alternative Plygain.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- We're inviting contemporary folk - artistes and local Plygain singers.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- Do you sing Plygain music?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- I'm talking to local Plygain singers - to ensure we don't leave anyone out.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- I don't know them all - - I don't know who's who.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- I'll see you - on Sunday night in the Plygain Fawr.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- The Llanfihangel Plygain on - the second Sunday of the New Year...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- ..is a long-established Plygain.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- We initially thought...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- ..of holding our event - the following week.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- In that Plygain, we could publicize - the event and hand out pamphlets.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- Is he down with flu too?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Doing it is what's important.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- There's no point - worrying about an audience.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- Of course, we need people there.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- But we're doing something new.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- Good morning, David. Rhys Mwyn here.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Not bad. Are you better?
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- It's unlikely - this will ever happen again.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Bye. Ta-ra!
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Half the world is down with flu!
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- # The dawn of a new morning
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- # Never was a day so bright #
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- Rhys is returning to his birthplace.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- He's meeting Rev David Francis, - rector of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- They'll discuss arrangements, - and Rhys's vision for the evening.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- It's good to come back - and meet Plygain singers.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- I went to school with many of them.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- It's nice to get back in touch.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- I listened to the Sex Pistols...
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- ..when my friends - sang Plygain carols.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- This greenery and tranquillity - is lovely.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- There are distinguished people here - too.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- When I lived here...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- ..I tried to create a contemporary - Welsh rock and roll scene.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- They did not support me.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- The opposition to the idea - was brutal at times.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- # It started then surrounded us #
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Hello! How are you? I'm Rhys.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07- Come in.
0:06:09 > 0:06:10- Come in.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- Come in.- - Thanks very much.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- We're bringing together - contemporary Welsh folk artistes...
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- ..to focus on the tradition.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- There are about five already.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- There are about five already.- - That's great!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- I wouldn't like - to convey the idea...
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- ..that Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa - church is changing its Plygain.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34- It isn't.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35- It isn't.- - No!
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- It's an entirely traditional - Plygain.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- I've played this CD of Plygain - songs to the contemporary artistes.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- They've listened to this CD - of typical Plygain music.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- I'm pleased about that.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Of all the collections...
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- ..this represents the old tradition.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- Sam Davies always sang - Ffarwel Ned Puw...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- ..in the traditional way.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- # Behold this ever blessed morn
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- # The world is told the story #
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- He emphasized the last syllable.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- That's the most appropriate style, - somehow.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- As someone from the area...
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- ..I don't feel - a sense of ownership...
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- ..but I feel - a connection with the music.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41- It's part of your heritage.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42- It's part of your heritage.- - Definitely.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- We must remember that the Plygain...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..is an ecclesiastical service.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- It is also held in chapels nowadays.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- It's not an eisteddfod.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- Would you say a few words, even - though it's not a normal service?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- I'll do that for you.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- You wouldn't want a long speech.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- I'll welcome the congregation - to the church.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- The church is famous - hymn writer - Ann Griffiths was buried here.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- That would be a good introduction!
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Rhys decided to visit - Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa church.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- It's the stronghold and spiritual - home of the traditional Plygain.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- A question I'm expecting to hear...
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- ..is the ownership issue.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Who has the right to become - involved with this tradition?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Do we have any right to interfere?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- They're interesting questions.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- I can reply - by saying I'm from the area.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- I have every right - to examine something I missed.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18- Something I've ignored.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- There's an aura - of an ancient church.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- It isn't that old - - it was built in 1863.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- Compared with Llanrhychwyn which - is genuinely old, it's fairly new.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- But you get the feeling - of its age here...
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- ..and a feeling of being close - to the land.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- Looking out at the greenery - of north Montgomeryshire...
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- ..it makes sense to be here.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- I think we're right.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- How do I justify what I believe, - as an anarchist, without a faith?
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I'm opposed to religion - for everything religion has done.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- And yet...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..it's clearly something - that needs to be done.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- We need to take an alternative view - of Plygain singing.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- How will contemporary artistes - interpret Plygain singing?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Be grateful I'm not singing!
0:10:35 > 0:10:35- .
0:10:48 > 0:10:48- 888
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- 888- - 888
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- It's the second Sunday in January.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- The Plygain Fawr takes place - in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- It's Wales's - foremost Plygain service.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- The congregation and singers...
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- ..arrive an hour and a half - before the service commences.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Rhys Mwyn invited Ynyr and Eurig - from the group Brigyn to come along.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- They'll experience - the old tradition...
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- ..before performing in his Plygain.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- It's also a publicity opportunity - for Rhys.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- It's an honour for me to announce...
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- ..that the 2009 - Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa Plygain...
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- ..is now open.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- The first round has begun.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- Any party from the congregation - can come forward to sing.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- No programme - has been prepared beforehand.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- # Did you see the couple
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- # Who came as darkness fell?
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- # Their journey from Nazareth
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- # Had left them tired and weak #
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- After all singers have sung once, - the second round begins.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- Each party sings another carol.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- # The day that Jesus was born
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- # Was a blessed glorious morn #
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- The service ends with Carol Y Swper.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- It's sung by male vocalists - in Montgomeryshire.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- # Our Saviour and Healer
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- # Under Jewish scourge
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- # The gentle demeanour
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- # Filled with suffering #
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- It's great being here - to see how it's done for real.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- The Plygain tradition - remains strong in Powys.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- We intended to respect the cultural - traditions of the Plygain.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- When we perform here...
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- ..we hope our versions of the songs - will be more Brigyn-esque!
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- We must appreciate and respect - the original before experimenting.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- In keeping with tradition, - Rhys has supper in the village hall.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- He can discuss his project - with Plygain traditionalists.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Will they have violins, or what?
0:13:42 > 0:13:42- Don't you know?
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- Don't you know?- - No.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- Traditionally, it is unaccompanied.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- I'm concerned about turning - the Plygain into a concert.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- The Plygain must remain a Plygain.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- The Plygain evolves all the time.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- The Plygain evolves all the time.- - I don't know.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Listening to the carols...
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- ..some are very old, - but others are not very old at all.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- You'd be surprised - how modern some carols are.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- That's interesting.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- That's interesting.- - A few may only be two years old.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- It doesn't have to be a concert.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- Our Plygain won't be a service - as we had tonight.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- It's an entirely different concept. - I'm not sure what you'd call it.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- There are three days - before the big night.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- Rhys's work brings him to Cardiff.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- He's about to break one - of the main customs of the Plygain.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- We need a programme running order...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- ..to get the artistes - on and off the stage...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- ..and record their performances.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- I suspect - this will be the first time ever...
0:15:03 > 0:15:09- ..for the order Plygain artistes - appear on stage...
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- ..to be set beforehand.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- He takes this opportunity - to meet Brigyn...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- ..to find out how the preparations - for Friday night are coming along?
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- Do you expect us all - to do different types of acts?
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- All the artistes are free to do - whatever they want, obviously.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- I haven't laid down any guidelines.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- We've chosen - Teg Gwawriodd Bore Ddydd...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..and the pop hit, - Ar Gyfer Heddiw'r Bore.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- I'm glad we bagged that one!
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- We wanted to perform one song - in the traditional style...
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- ..and the other less traditionally.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- # Born upon this morning
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- # A little babe, little babe
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- # The descendant of Jesse
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- # A little babe was born #
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- The next day...
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- ..at the press launch for Llangollen - Eisteddfod in St David's Hall...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- ..Rhys received a phone call.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- It's not good news.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- The best thing to do is...
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- Just give me until tomorrow, - I'll try to salvage it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- The situation is, - I got a message this morning.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- A researcher from Sioe Gelf - phoned me.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- I was told there might - be a problem with the church.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- I phoned David Francis - to find out what was wrong.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- He said they weren't keen - for the event to go ahead.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- He wouldn't discuss it - and hung up the phone.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- Are we in a situation where - I can't focus on Plygain carols?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Me, Brigyn and others.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- Is the tradition - being controlled and censored?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- I can't believe that's healthy...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..nor that everyone would agree - with that point of view.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- I don't understand. I really don't.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47- I know it well, yes.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- With a day to go, Rhys is back in - his office in Galeri, Caernarfon.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- He needs to find another - church in Montgomeryshire...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- ..that will be prepared - to host his Plygain.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Hiya! How are you?
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- I'm fine. - We're trying to resolve it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Plan A is Llangedwyn church.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- It's local, so we won't lose - the local groups.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- Despite the workload, he reads - his article in The Daily Post.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23- I mentioned...
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- ..to the warm welcome received on - Sunday in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- It also previews - this Friday's folk-music Plygain.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Everything featured in the article - has been shattered.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- I need to write another feature!
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- Someone somewhere has raised doubts.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- His Plygain project - is debated in the magazine, Golwg.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- "Rhys Mwyn angers - the traditionalists." Oh, well.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Right, OK. - I can see what's going on.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- "Apparently, his intentions - were good," says Emyr Pughe.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- "But he's chosen - an unfortunate location...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- "..by going to the - Montgomeryshire headquarters."
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- Well - yes, - for well-publicized reasons.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33- In one way, it was a mark - of respect to go to the roots.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- I'm from the area.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- They don't agree with changing the - status quo and new, modern carols.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- I chatted to someone on Sunday who - said they sing two-year-old carols!
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- At what point - does a tradition start and finish?
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- At what point - is there an ownership issue?
0:19:56 > 0:20:02- And at what point do you say it's - a culture that belongs in a museum?
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Just one question. - Is Llangedwyn better than Llansilyn?
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- It looks as if all - the phone calls have borne fruit.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- Right! We've got Llangedwyn church. - But I need to contact the warden.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- I'll phone the vicar - to confirm arrangements.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Hello! It's Rhys here. - Enid's just phoned you, I gather.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- How are you?
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- You're talking - to a very, very grateful man here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Right! - Llangedwyn's parishoners seem happy.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- The big night has arrived.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- As you can see, - this is Llangedwyn church.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- This is Plan B. - It's either held here or not at all.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- I'm sure this will be fine. - I've got nothing against Llangedwyn.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- # The Lord's Angel #
0:21:09 > 0:21:15- The artistes rehearse and chat - as the congregation arrives.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- People have tried to scupper this - but a congregation has come.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- It gets more and more - surreal every second!
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- # I'll sacrifice my mite - for an imprisoned soul
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- # I'll light my candle - in the valley church
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- # I'll say the Mass prayer - over and over again
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- # To keep his soul immortal #
0:21:56 > 0:22:01- # If I were a shepherd
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- # I would give a lamb #
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- # Music of singers - on their way to the Plygain
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- # Melodious music - rings from church bells
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- # We must journey with the Wise Men
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- # And the shepherds, go to Him #
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- # There is no prettier rosebud
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- # Among the garden's blooms #
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- # Praise be to the Father - who gave His only Son
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- # To die for us #
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- # A baby came to the world
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- # A miracle in a manger
0:22:53 > 0:22:58- # The Lord's baby - came to the world #
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- # To those under Sinai's shadow
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- # Who are sad every day #
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- # A weak little baby
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- # On his mother's breast
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- # And yet he protected
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- # His people from harm #
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- It wasn't meant to compete - against the traditional Plygain.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- It was organized, not instead of it - but in addition to it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- We've had a good night. - Everyone has enjoyed themselves.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- I've talked to a lot of people. - No-one objected to what was done.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Therefore, the experiment...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- ..if you want to call - it an experiment - has worked.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- It's been allowed to run its course, - as they tend to do.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- # Hosanna echoes from Heaven
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- # Praise be to Him
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- # Amen #
0:24:10 > 0:24:15- # A fountain was opened for you
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- # To cleanse your dirty wounds
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- # As white snow falls in Salmon
0:24:25 > 0:24:27- # Come as you are
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- # Come as you are
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- # And so, never hesitate
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- # Come as you are #
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- S4C Subtitles by GWEAD
0:24:43 > 0:24:44- .