The oratorio is sung in its original Welsh by Aneirin Talfan Davies, performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with a Welsh chorus and soloists.
Recording & Production
This recording of Dewi Sant was sponsored by Christopher Wood, a former cancer surgeon now working in pharmaceuticals, who is known for discovering new treatments.
Composer Biography
Arwel Hughes spent his entire career working for the BBC in Cardiff, starting in the music department in 1935, the same year the BBC Welsh Orchestra was formed.
Composition History
Arwel Hughes, the composer, was commissioned to write the oratorio Dewi Sant for the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Historical Context
The BBC Third Programme (now Radio 3) initially refused to broadcast works by Welsh composers like Alun Hoddinott, William Mathias, Grace Williams, and Daniel Jones, claiming there was no decent Welsh music.
Recording & Production
The conductor, Owain Arwel Hughes, copied his father's original handwritten vocal score for publication after completing his A-level exams, correcting mistakes along the way.
Notable Performances
The first performance of Dewi Sant took place at St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, a venue known for its excellent acoustics.
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