The Harp, by Brinley Richards ... continued

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It is equally clear, notwithstanding the assertions of some historians, to which I shall again refer, that the Britons were acquainted with music and its instruments at a very remote period. Blegwryd ab Seisyllt, who was King of Britain about 160 before Christ, is said to have been a celebrated musician and performer on the harp; "therefore he was called the God of Music". The ancient laws of Wales mention the harp as one of the indispensable accomplishments of a gentleman. They enumerate three distinct kinds of harp:- 'Telyn y Brenin,' the harp of the king; 'Telyn Pencerdd,' the harp of a master of music; and 'Telyn Gwrda,' the harp of a gentleman.

Nevertheless, it is asserted that all instruments in use among the Welsh were derived from Ireland. Welsh writers, however, state that the harp was invented by Idris Gawr; but, as he lived no earlier than the fourth century, this must be an anachronism. In the Welsh Triads it is written "that Idris, the champion, invented the harp; and that the three imperial perfomers were King Arthur, Glewlwyd Gavael- fawr (brave Grey with the powerful grasp), and Crellan, bard of the harp to Prince Gruffydd ab Cynan". However great the reliance we place on the Welsh Triads, there is evidently a mistake here. King Arthur died about 572, and Gruffydd ab Cynan was not born until centuries after. It is also clear that the bard Crellan could not have been contemporary with Arthur, as he fell in battle in the eleventh century, when fighting under the banners of his prince.

Neither can we accept the theory 'that the aboriginal Britons had the harp prior to any other nation except the Hebrews'. If we are to believe that the harp is an Irish invention what becomes of the account the Bible gives, "Jubal was the father of all such as handle the organ and the harp"? Mr. Beaufort, in his Essay on the Harp, informs us that even the Welsh admit the harp to be of Irish origin. Mr. Pennant, however, is inclined to think, that if it is not British, "they had it from the Romans". Unfortunately for this, there is no proof that either Greeks or Romans were acquainted with it; nor is it found on their sculpture or coins, or in their paintings.

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