HUGHES, JOSEPH TUDOR (Blegwryd; 1827 - 1841), boy harpist

Born 27 October 1827 at Bala (?). A musical prodigy, he is said to have shown considerable talent before he was even 3 years of age. Before he was 8 years of age he had been given the bardic name 'Blegwryd' in the eisteddfod held at Llannerch-y-medd, Anglesey, 9 June 1835, and when he was about twelve he published British Melodies, with arrangements made by him for harp and piano. He astounded all manner of audiences by his skill as a performer on the harp and concertina. He accompanied his father and brothers on a concert tour in various parts of the United States in 1840, performing in the White House (Washington), and in New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, etc.

He died by drowning in the river Hudson, 12 May 1841.

His brother, David Edward Hughes, is separately noticed.

Author

• Robert (Bob) Owen, (1885 - 1962)

Sources

• The Cambrian (Swansea) 24 January 1835
• Y Cyfaill cylchgrawn misol y Presbyteriaid Cymreig yn America (Utica), October 1841, September 1842, and on the cover of the number for November 1840, a portrait of the boy and other members of the family
• Y Gwladgarwr, 1835, 201
• Cyfansoddiadau Eisteddfod Llanerchymedd, 1835
• Y Seren, issues ranging from 20 August 1931-10 October 1931
• 'Joseph Hughes, y Plentyn-Delynor', Y Cerddor, August 1898, pp.86-87
• Y Drych (Utica), 6 November 1924

Images

• John Thomas, Joseph Tudor Hughes
• Waterhouse Hawkins, Engelmann & Co., Master Hughes 5 years of age
• Albin Roberts Burt, Master Hughes the infant Cambrian harpist

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20733737

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/