GRIFFITH
,
MORGAN WILLIAM
(
Pencerdd Mynwy
,
1855
-
1925
),
musician
;
b. in
Aug. 1855
at
Pontypool, Mon.
, where his father was
precentor at a Congregational church
; another account says that
Griffith
was b. at
Clydach, Glam.
In
1876
he went to
Aberystwyth
where he pursued courses in music for three years under
Dr.
Joseph
Parry
; during this period as student he was one of two accompanists at the first performance of ‘
Blodwen
,’
Joseph
Parry
's opera. He became
music teacher
at
Dr. Williams's school
,
Dolgelley
, in
1879
, and held the post for forty years. In
1880
he became
organist of one of the Methodist chapels
at
Dolgelley
and, in
1885
,
organist
and
choirmaster
at
S. Mary's church
in the same town. He graduated
Mus.Bac. (Toronto)
. His compositions, which were numerous, included songs, ‘
Gwlad y Bryniau
,’ ‘
Yr Ynys Wen
,’ and a duet, ‘
Chwi feibion dewrion
,’ together with anthems and other forms of church music. He was interested in the opera and at one time formed a company at
Dolgelley
. He d.
2 Sept. 1925
at the
Southern hospital
,
Liverpool
, and was buried in
S. Mary's
churchyard,
Dolgelley
.
Bibliography:
-
Yr Haul
,
Nov. 1925
;
-
Dr. Williams’ School Magazine
,
Dolgellau
.
Author:
Robert David Griffith, M.A., (1877-1958), Old Colwyn
