The crown jewel of the harp duo repertoire. Based on Welsh melodies, this brilliant arrangement is played the world over.

Cambria is the second of John Thomas's duets based on Welsh Melodies, the first being Scenes of Childhood. 'Scenes of Childhood' received its first performance in a concert of Welsh Music held at London's Crystal Palace in July 1862. The harpists were John Thomas himself, and Frederick Chatterton, harpist to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and Thomas's former professor at the Royal Academy of Music. The great success of this arrangement led to the composition of another in the same genre, premiered at London's St James's Hall on 'St David's Eve' (28 February), 1863.

Completely re-set, and in A4 format, 'Cambria' was released on 'St David's Eve' 2007.

The manuscript is held at the National Library of Wales, where its original uninspiring title 'Scenes of Childhood 2' can be seen to have been crossed out by the composer, to be replaced by the infinitely more evocative 'Cambria', the name by which this jewel of the harp duo repertoire has been known ever since.

The Welsh Melodies used in this arrangement are Y Gadlys (The Camp), Y Ferch o'r Scêr (The Maid of Sker), and Tros y Garreg (Over the Stone).

Ann Griffiths

Recordings of this music Click CD cover to go to Creighton's Collection for further information & audio clips

Serenâd by Elinor Bennett & Meinir Heulyn

John Thomas (1826-1913) Harp Music by Lipman Harp Duo

Please note that some recordings may differ from the notation in Adlais scores Recordings might include an artists own arrangements either from an Adlais score or another source