Welsh Journals

A WELSH COMPOSER IN LONDON Mr. Cyril Jenkins' Llewelyn." We do not suppose it can often happen-if, indeed, it ever has happened until recently-that an important choral and orchestral work by a Welsh musician is given in London before it is produced in his own country. For some reason or other, England is chary about extending a helping hand to Welsh composers; not until their works have been sung from one end of the Principality to the other, do English conductors and singers begin to examine them and they only do so then with half-hearted curiosity. But Mr. Cyril Jenkin's latest choral work, Llewelyn," produced at the Alexandra Palace, London, on January 24th, by Mr Allen Gill, has not yet been heard in Wales, though we have not the slightest doubt it will speedily become very popular there. Written for mixed choir, tenor and bass solos and orchestra, it marks a considerable degree of development upon this composer's former works. The quality of the music is dramatic almost through- out, but in spite of the intensity of the writing, and its frequently hurried movement, nothing has been sacrificed in the way of melodic interest. The choral sections are freely written, and it is quite evident that Mr. Jenkins has complete command over a style that is an individual as it is expressive. The solos, also, are eloquent and beautiful. It would be difficult to praise too highly the economy of the scoring for the orchestra. Most composers of this day, of course, overload their scores in an extraordinary way, with the result that they frequently become incoherent. But Mr. Jenkins is never incoherent. His lucidity is as astonishing as it is welcome. He has the gift of scoring in such a manner that every note he writes has its special value and significance. The performance was admirable. Mr. Allen Gill conducted the forces of the Alexandra Palace and Choral Society with great skill. The title-role was undertaken by Mr. John Watkyn who, I believe, made his first appearance before a London audience. His beautiful tenor voice made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Stewart Gardner interpreted the bass music with care and distinction. CORRESPONDENCE Questionary for Welsh Rural Survey. To the Editor of The Welsh Outlook." Sir. The Welsh School of Social Service is undertaking a Survey of rural conditions in Wales. and it has occurred to me that some of your readers would be willing to give us a helping hand. We have drawn up a Questionary in two parts, A. and B.. but it is to Questionary B., that we should like the Outlook reader to give the results of his knowledge, and take the liberty of appending the list of questions to the note it may also be found on page 5; of Social Problems in Wales." Answers should be written on one side of a sheet or sheets of foolscap paper and sent to me on or before the first day of May. 1914. The name and address of the correspondent should be sent with the reply. not for publication but as a guarantee of good faith." We shall be most grateful for any assistance which may be rendered. I am, etc., Gwilym Davies. Welsh School of Social Service. 7, Lammas Street. CARMARTHEN. Feb. 14th., 1914. Questionary for Welsh Rural Survey. B. 1. Is there a Village Hall or Institute of any kind in this neighbourhood ? If so, who are its promoters ? Does it attract the farm labourer and in what directions ? 2. What are the recreations of the young people in your district ? Do the church and chapel going people interest themselves in these? 3. Are there any literary, mutual improvement or musical societies ? 4. What arts and crafts are practised in the neighbourhood 5. Do the School Teachers and Ministers of Religion interest themselves in the social life of the neighbourhood ? 6. Is anything being done by way of — (a) Evening continuation classes in the Village school. (b) Classes, e.g., Agriculture. First Aid, etc., (among the young men) and Nursing, Dairy Work. Domestic Science, etc., (among the young women.)? 7. How does the farm servant or labourer spend his leisure 8. Has there been much emigration from the district. Where do the young people chiefly emigrate to? 9. Is there much land hunger in the district ? 10. Is there a branch of the Agricultural Organisation Society in the neighbourhood ? 11. Are the church doing anything by way of social leadership ? Are the school or class premises available for social (other than religious purposes)? What proportion is there between the seating accommodation of the placet of worship and the number of inhabitants ?