0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:01 > 0:00:06- I've come to the Meifod National - Eisteddfod with my daughter.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- I'm about to give a public - performance. I'm scared.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- Dyddgu, it's time for me to die...
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- ..in front of the nation.
0:00:16 > 0:00:17- This is a prop.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- As you know, I never drink.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- I've been performing for years - as a singer and poet.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- But today's singing - is very different..
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- # Along the winding - banks of the Tigris #
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- I've often wanted to give it a go.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- But I was too chicken to try.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- I'm going to sing Cerdd Dant - for the first time ever.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- It's alright without the harp.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- I'll perform in front - of a fierce Cerdd Dant crowd.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- He told me earlier...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- "..I'm shitting bricks."
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- LAUGHTER
0:01:07 > 0:01:08- Twm Morys!
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- # There's the harp and the strings
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- # What's the use, - if no-one plays it #
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- Pant yr Hwch Studio, - Llyn Peninsula, July 15
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- I'm not sure of one chord.
0:01:34 > 0:01:35- This one.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- HUMS TUNE
0:01:43 > 0:01:44- Back to this?
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- People have asked me - to sing Cerdd Dant before.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- I'm a poet. I have a harp.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- They expect me to be good at it.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- What is Cerdd Dant...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..other than poetry sung - to the harp's accompaniment?
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- Bob Delyn A'r Ebillion, - the band I sing with...
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- ..is performing - at the Eisteddfod too.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- Edwin, Einir and I have to practise.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- But my mind - is on the other performance.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- I've promised to take part - in the Cerdd Dant Stomp.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28- It's a competition with an audience - at the Eisteddfod's Ty Gwerin.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- It's light-hearted.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- But the contestants still have - to sing Cerdd Dant correctly.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36- I'm not looking forward to it.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37- I'm not looking forward to it.- - You'll be fine.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- Einir has sung Cerdd Dant - since almost before she had teeth.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- You're an old hand at it.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- I've done a bit.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- We're competing against you.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- In the same competition?
0:02:50 > 0:02:51- Yes.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- I'm done for!
0:02:53 > 0:02:54- I'm done for!- - No!
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- Good.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- What makes it different - from the other kind of singing...
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- ..is that you can't sing - with the melody.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04- No.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- As I understand it, - the counter melody...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- ..must be different from - the melody, but must go with it.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13- It has to fit tidily on it.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- It has to fit tidily on it.- - I don't know if I can do that.
0:03:15 > 0:03:16- LAUGHTER
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- It's like doing this.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- I can't do that either.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- That's the thing with Cerdd Dant.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- The harp accompanies the singer.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- But the harp melody is different - from the singer's melody.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- To the unfamiliar...
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- ..it's like expecting - a squirrel and teapot to get along.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- There's nothing like this craft.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- Very few can do it.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- I don't think I'm one of them.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54- July 19
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- # When one has lost a loved one
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- # Grief is individual #
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- I've come to the launch - of Y Gan Olaf...
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- ..the late Gerallt - Lloyd Owen's last book.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Cor Seiriol sings - Gerallt's work in Cerdd Dant.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- If anyone can do it, they can.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- # Words will not silence longing #
0:04:32 > 0:04:33- HARP PLAYS
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- This is the harp melody, - played on its own at first.
0:04:38 > 0:04:39- CHOIR SINGS
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Now the women start - to sing the counter melody.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Two different melodies - interweave perfectly...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- ..to transport Gerallt's words.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- # His laughter was fresh air
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- # But the wheat darkened
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- # And sorrow grew #
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- I had to congratulate the choir.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- I found conductor, Gwennant Pyrs...
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- ..and choir member, Alwen - Derbyshire, in the bar.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- What struck me was - the clarity of the words.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- They were possibly clearer - than a poet reciting his own work.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- They were measured and slow. - I heard every word.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I'm glad. That was our intention.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- The words come first, then the - counter melody on the harp melody.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40- That's what you say.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- That's what you say.- - The harp melody stays the same.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- The counter melody is different.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47- Right.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- It's a kind of dance - to the harp melody.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52- Yes.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- It's important that the harp - and singer finish together.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- When the counter melody - marries well with the words...
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- ..there's nothing better.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- No.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- You don't have to work hard.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- You don't! You know how to do it.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- Hearing the choir was a great help.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- It was a bit frightening too.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- I've seen it in its glory.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- The words were sung better...
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- ..than some poets - reciting their own works.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- I'll have to do something similar...
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- ..in front of the nation...
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- ..at the National Eisteddfod.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- I'm shit scared.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- The next morning, - I phone the Stomp's organizer.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- He's a Cerdd Dant star, - Arfon Gwilym.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- Actually, I just want - to shout "Help!"
0:07:01 > 0:07:02- Hello.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03- Hi.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Yes, the poster has arrived.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- My name is on it.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- It's second on the list...
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- ..between Ffion Dafis - and Trefor and Eleri.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- They have very Cerdd Dant-ish names.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- I'll have to do it now. - There's no escape.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- So I go to meet the Cerdd Dant guru - at his workplace.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- His voice resounded in the car.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- # Do not be sorrowful, - with tearstained cheeks #
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- KNOCKS ON DOOR
0:07:54 > 0:07:55- Hi.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56- Hi.- - How are you?
0:07:56 > 0:07:57- Fine. You?
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Of course, - I know what Cerdd Dant it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- How could someone like me not know?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Exactly. It's in your ear and head.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- The rhythms.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12- The rhythms.- - Exactly.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- It's one thing to talk about it, - another to do it.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- Many think there's - a mystique about Cerdd Dant.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- People worry about rules.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- In essence, it's quite simple.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- Listen to this.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It will cheer you up.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- OLD RECORDING OF HARP MELODY
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- # The world is in trouble, - everything is wrong
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- # The shadow of wars - on villages and towns #
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- This is Edith Evans, - Harpist Of Snowdonia.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- It was recorded - at Corwen Pavilion in 1976.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- It was a tribute to Nansi Richards.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- That's a totally different type.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- It's exactly what we want - in the Stomp, humour.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- If we listened to it all, almost - every verse has the same setting.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- She sings the first notes - that come into her head.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- My plan is to sing my own work.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- They're Englynion about - the black and white stuff, Guinness.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- First, I have to find - a suitable harp melody.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Let's try Cainc Y Datgeiniad.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Come in at seven. - We'll see what happens.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- HARP MELODY
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Four, five, six, seven.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- "From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- "Along the winding - banks of the Tigris
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- "From the mist on the Pyrenees
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- "To the foot of Cadair Idris"
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- The melody is still going.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- Unless you start much later...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- ..this melody is too long.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- Here's another example.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19- Bedw Gwynion is a melody by - Dafydd Roberts, Harpist Of Mawddwy.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21- HARP MELODY
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Four, five, six.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- "From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- "Along the winding - banks of the Tigris
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- # From the mist on the Pyrenees
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- # To the foot of Cadair Idris #
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- It isn't a funeral.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- What about this one?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Mwynder Llinos, - one of Llyfni Huws's melodies.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49- Let's try this.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- One, two, three, four, five.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- "From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- "Along the winding - banks of the Tigris
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- # From the mist on the Pyrenees
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- # To the foot of Cadair Idris #
0:11:10 > 0:11:11- That's ideal.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- That's ideal.- - Is it better?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- # In Trelew and Rhydlewis
0:11:18 > 0:11:19- # Anglesey
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- # And Minneapolis
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- # In Nanhoron, in Paris
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- # Crewe, Peru and Dumfries #
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- I like "Crewe, Peru and Dumfries."
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- It fits.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- I've chosen the melody. - Thank God for that.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- There's only a week to go.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45- Good luck.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Good luck.- - See you in Meifod. Maybe.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- The Eisteddfod and Stomp - are looming.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- I'll practise every second - of every minute of every hour.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Will I do it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Turn the TV down, children!
0:12:07 > 0:12:07- .
0:12:10 > 0:12:10- Subtitles
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:17 > 0:12:18- Hello. How are you?
0:12:18 > 0:12:19- Hello. How are you?- - Very well.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- Ready to sing?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Ready to sing?- - I don't know about that.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- For some reason, I've promised to - compete in the Cerdd Dant Stomp...
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- ..at Meifod National Eisteddfod.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- I'll be singing to an audience - of Cerdd Dant enthusiasts.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- The next step is to compose - the counter melody for the words.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- It's different from the harp melody.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- We can change the pitch.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- Gwenan Gibbard - is a Cerdd Dant aficionado.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- She'll be accompanying me.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- What about the order of the melody?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Did you do that with Arfon?
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- We came in when the melody starts, - and finished when it ends.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- I thought that was a good idea.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Right! What about the two parts?
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- Are there two parts?
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Are there two parts?- - Yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Here's the first part of the melody.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- The second part is different.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- GWENAN SINGS MELODY
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- Normally, the two parts are used.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- Rather than sing the first part - for seven verses...
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- ..we change to the second part - for some verses.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Do you want to try - the first englyn...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- ..to see if it flows?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- I'll sing, - because it comes naturally to me.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Say the words with me.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- # From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- # Along the winding banks - of the Tigris
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- # From the mist on the Pyrenees
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- # To the foot of Cadair Idris #
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- You've started to do - the arrangement!
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- # In Krakow, in Caernarfon #
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- Gwenan is teaching me - how to compose the counter melody.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- It isn't easy.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Even Gwenan sometimes - finds it difficult.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- Oh!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Once again.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- # In Trelew and Rhydlewis
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- # Anglesey and ... #
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Sorry. I started in the wrong place.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- It can be done.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- # In Trelew and Rhydlewis
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- # In Anglesey and Minneapolis
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- # In Nanhoron
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- # In Paris
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- # Crewe, Peru and Dumfries #
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- I like that!
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- That's fine like that.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- What happens if I break the rules?
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- Do the police get involved?
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- You'll be burnt at the stake!
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- There are rules, of course.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- Like any rule, - perhaps with Cynghanedd too...
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- ..it's interesting to be - creative within the rules.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- It's easy to break the rules.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- But is it as fulfilling?
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Before composing - the counter melody...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- ..I'll have to know the harp melody.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- I recorded Gwenan playing it.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- # HARP MELODY, MWYNDER LLINOS #
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- I listened and listened - and listened.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- I drummed the melody into my head.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- I started to think - about the counter melody.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- # From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- # Along the winding banks - of the Tigris #
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Where's the iPad?
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- Where's what? Where's the iPad?
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- It goes without saying that - the children are very supportive.
0:16:32 > 0:16:33- Ha ha ha.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- I retreated to the shed - for some peace and quiet.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- The counter melody began - to fall into place.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- # And Arthur insisted - it should be black and white #
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- But oh, the Eisteddfod is here.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Meifod National Eisteddfod, August 6
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- # From Wil's house in Alltwalis #
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- I'm still at it - on the morning of the Stomp
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- # The winding banks of the Tigris #
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- I'm rehearsing - as I approach the lion's den.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- # To the foot of Cadair Idris #
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Years ago, - they used to hang bad men.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Thousands of spectators came.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- Look at the thousands queuing - to get in to see Dad dying!
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- I'm glad so many have come.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- I hope - your expectations are not too high.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Stomp is a competition.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- There were harsh critics present.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Will it be thumbs up, - or thumbs down?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- LAUGHTER
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- # An old, old snail with rheumatism
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- # Slithered along in hesitant steps
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- # Her movements - were slow, slow, slow
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- # But she was still faster - than Arwyn Groe #
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- The humour went down well.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- But the Cerdd Dant - has to be correct.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- # Awesome, I'm sure
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- # Amazing, I'm sure
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- # And no-one hassling us
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- # Hassling? Who's hassling you? #
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- It's taking ages for my turn. - I'm having cold feet again.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- People worry about the accents.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Finishing together is what counts.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- The accents aren't a problem. - It's keeping up with the harp.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- The hour finally came.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54- Well.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Tom Morys!
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- As you know...
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- ..I was born in the Sun Temperance - Hotel, Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- I was taught the song - by my mother, Nansi Richards.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- To the black and white stuff, - or this.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- # From Wil's house in Alltwalis
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- # Along the winding banks
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- # Of the Tigris
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- # From the mist on the Pyrenees
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- # To the foot of Cadair Idris #
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- That was OK.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- # New Zealand, Ellis Island
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- # And Lahore
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- # In Ffor and Paris
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- # On Aran and the Canaries
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- # In Lourdes and Los Angeles
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- # In Krakow, in Caernarfon
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- # In Milan
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- # In Plwmp and Memphis
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- # They bless the month
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- # Arthur Guinness was born #
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- I haven't finished yet.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- # Guinness, we all sing
0:20:51 > 0:20:57- # Below the great rainbow, - hear the chatter
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- # It's amazing that Arthur insisted
0:21:00 > 0:21:01- # To do it all
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- # In black and white #
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- And that was it. I made it off stage - alive. That's something.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- I don't care about the vote. - I had a little applause.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- And do you know what? - I've caught the bug.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- And maybe, maybe - I'll come back next yet.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Can you teach me?
0:21:37 > 0:21:38- Of course.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- I won't be so stressed.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- And maybe next time, - I won't be terrified.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- I will be an old hand by then.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- I did it...
0:21:57 > 0:22:03- ..to the biggest Cerdd Dant audience - in the universe.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- I didn't die after all.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Gwenan Gibbard, my accompanist, - and I...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..are going - to collaborate from now on.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- I'll give her Cynghanedd lessons.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- She'll teach me about Cerdd Dant.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- A crow starts out as a blackbird.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- A donkey starts out as a hare.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- That's it.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:22:59 > 0:23:00- .