It is a pleasure for Cwmni Cyhoeddi Gwynn Publishing to release this brand new composition for solo harp composed by renowned International Welsh harpist Osian Ellis. The work is presented in memory of Llinos, and was composed at a most distressing time while she was being treated in hospital for cancer and while her mother, Glynis, sat with her, day and night, until her death in November 2018, at the age of 39.
Lachrymae – literally ‘tears’ – is an ancient title, and was used by John Dowland while quoting his song: “Flow, my tears”. Benjamin Britten also wrote a ‘Lachrymae’ for viola and piano, which Osian performed, together with Cecil Aronowitz at the Philharmonie in Berlin and with Peter Schidloff at the Aldeburgh Festival. This newly composed work reflects stress and pain, but also reflects the ebb of life and memories of childhood. The solo ends with a death-knell and a consequent Dorian ‘L’envoi’, leading us to the forest grave at Boduan on the Llŷn Peninsula in north-west Wales.
Osian Ellis is regarded not only as an international harpist of high acclaim but also as one of the most notable musicians of the 20th century. Born in Flintishire and raised in Denbighshire, Osian started playing he harp at a young age, as a pupil of Alwena Roberts, ‘Telynores Iâl’. At the age of seventeen he was awarded the Joseph Parry Scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and was later appointed Professor of Harp there, a post he held for over 30 years. In 1960 he was appointed as Principal Harp of the London Symphony Orchestra, and the next 30 years would see him performing extensively with the orchestra and also as a soloist and chamber harpist with the renowned Melos Ensemble. Many leading composers, including Benjamin Britten, William Mathias and Alun Hoddinott composed works especially for him.
Osian has recorded extensively over the years, with various recording companies, and has also published several of his compositions for harp, including the duet ‘Diversions’. Having just celebrated his 92nd birthday, this new work will certainly be well received by harpists far and wide.
For further information: Gwenan Gibbard (gwynn@gwynn.co.uk)