REES, ROBERT (Eos Morlais; 1841 - 1892), vocalist and musician

Name: Robert Rees
Pseudonym: Eos Morlais
Date of birth: 1841
Date of death: 1892
Parent: Margaret Rees
Parent: Hugh Rees
Gender: Male
Occupation: vocalist and musician
Area of activity: Music; Performing Arts
Author: Robert David Griffith

Born 5 April (Whit-Sunday) 1841, at Dowlais, Glamorganshire, the son of Hugh and Margaret Rees, and brought up near the banks of the river Morlais - hence his pseudonym. He lost his father when he was 8 years old, and he started to work in a coal-mine when he was only 9. As a child he showed a marked talent for singing and recitation. His first lessons in music were given him by an uncle; these he supplemented by the study of text books. He joined the Libanus Temperance choir which was conducted by David Rosser whom he succeeded as conductor when the latter retired. He won several prizes at eisteddfodau as vocalist and when he was 26 years old he won the prize at the national eisteddfod which was held that year (1867) at Carmarthen. In the year 1870, Eos Morlais moved to Swansea where he worked at Landore and became precentor at Soar Congregational chapel, Swansea. He took a course of instruction at the Swansea Training College. So successful had he become by now that he gave up his occupation and devoted his whole time to music. He served for three years as precentor of Walter Road Congregational church, Swansea. He conducted singing festivals and served as adjudicator, his services being much in demand. He died at his home, 16 Henrietta Street, Swansea, 5 June 1892; he was buried in the C.M. chapel burial ground at Aberdulais, near Neath.

Author

Published date: 1959

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