Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1803

Average_duration

:

3:18

Franz Joseph Haydn's 'Wyres Ned Puw (The Despairing Bard, While sad I strike the plaintive string), H. 31b/19' is a Welsh song composed in 1765. It was premiered in London in 1792, and was later published in 1803 as part of the Welsh Melodies collection. The song is composed of three movements, with the first and third being in a minor key and the second in a major key. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the bard expressing his sadness through the lyrics and the music. The second movement is more upbeat and lively, with the bard singing of happier times. The third movement returns to the mournful tone of the first, with the bard lamenting his current state of despair. The characteristics of the song are typical of Haydn's style, with clear and simple melodies accompanied by harmonies that are both supportive and expressive. The use of minor keys in the first and third movements adds to the melancholic tone of the piece, while the major key in the second movement provides a brief respite from the sadness. Overall, 'Wyres Ned Puw' is a beautiful and poignant example of Haydn's ability to convey emotion through music. Its inclusion in the Welsh Melodies collection also highlights Haydn's interest in and appreciation for the music of other cultures.

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