Welsh Traditional
Cyfri'r Geifr
Works Info
Composer:Welsh TraditionalAverage_duration:3:15Cyfri'r Geifr is a traditional Welsh folk song that has been passed down through generations. The song is believed to have originated in the 18th century and has since become a popular tune in Welsh culture. The song's title translates to "Counting the Goats" in English. The song is typically performed in a call-and-response style, with one person singing a line and the rest of the group responding with the next line. The melody is simple and repetitive, making it easy for people to join in and sing along. Cyfri'r Geifr has three main movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement is a call to count the goats, with the lyrics "Cyfri'r geifr yn y mynydd" (Count the goats on the mountain). The second movement is a response to the call, with the lyrics "Dere 'run, dere 'run, dere 'run" (Come on, come on, come on). The third movement is a conclusion to the song, with the lyrics "Dere 'run, dere 'run, dere 'run" repeated several times. The song's characteristics reflect the rural Welsh lifestyle of the time it was composed. Goats were a common livestock animal in Wales, and counting them was an important task for farmers and shepherds. The simple melody and call-and-response style of the song made it easy for people to remember and sing while they worked. Cyfri'r Geifr has been performed by many Welsh musicians and choirs over the years, and it remains a beloved part of Welsh culture. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of traditional folk music to connect people across generations and cultures.More....