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LEWIS, JOSEPH RHYS (Alaw Rhondda, 1860 - 1920), musician

Name: Joseph Rhys Lewis
Pseudonym: Alaw Rhondda
Date of birth: 1860
Date of death: 1920
Gender: Male
Occupation: musician
Area of activity: Music; Performing Arts
Author: Robert David Griffith

Born at Penderyn, Brecknock, 15 June 1860. As he was a delicate child he received very little education. He became interested in music when he was young, learned to play the piano, and, in due course, attended music classes conducted by Dr. Joseph Parry and Dr. Evans at Cardiff. He became organist of Penuel chapel, Ferndale, and, afterwards, of Bethania chapel, Maerdy. Among his hymntunes was 'Nazareth,' which became very popular in the Welsh religious revival of 1904-5. He also composed operas called 'Caradog' and 'Resurrected Life.' He died 17 June 1920 at Ferndale, and was buried in the Ferndale cemetery.

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Published date: 1959

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

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