LEWIS, DAVID WILLIAM (1845 - 1920), musician

Born 15 April 1845, at Brynaman, Carmarthenshire. He started work in a coalmine when he was only 9 years old.

His first knowledge of music was derived from books published by Mills and Eleazar Roberts. In 1870 he went to Bristol to be examined in the tonic sol-fa notation, gained all the certificates that were possible, and qualified as F.T.S.C. - the first in Wales to gain that distinction. He conducted music classes in several parts of Carmarthenshire, composed many anthems and hymn-tunes, and wrote pieces suitable for children. He published Odlau Mawl, and Llawlyfr y Llais, and with others edited Y Caniedydd, Y Salmydd Cenedlaethol, and Y Caniedydd Cynulleidfaol. He also contributed a series of music lessons to the Tywysydd. His services were much in demand as adjudicator and conductor of hymn-singing festivals.

He died 20 January 1920, and was buried in Gibea chapel cemetery. He was made J.P. for Carmarthenshire in 1919.

Author

• Robert David Griffith, (1877 - 1958)

Sources

• Mr D. W. Lewis, F.T.S.C., Brynamman, Y Cerddor, 1899, pp.74-75
• Y Cerddor, 1908

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20732896

Published date: 1959

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