This is a record from the County Echo, dated 2 June 1898, kindly transcribed by Ann and John Hughes of Tegfan, for the Dinas Historical Society in 2012. Here is the link to the full publication, covering the period 1894-1920 and published as "The News of Dinas".
https://tegfan.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/countyechofinal.pdf
There are many fascinating things about this extract. First, the Pwnc was clearly thriving in 1898! Second, that Whit Monday was the time it was celebrated. Hundreds of men, women and children took part, and there were three separate celebrations, organised by the Methodists, the Baptists and the Church in Wales. The Methodists met at Brynhenllan, where the congregations and Sunday schools from Newport (Tabernacle?), Dinas, Glanrhyd and Gethsemane sang. The Church in Wales congregations and Sunday schools sang in Nevern Chirch, representing newport, Nevern, Cilgwyn and Dinas. And finally the Baptists sang at Bethlehem, Newport, representing Caersalem, Jabes, Glandwr and Tabernacle. twelve churches represented, singing flat out and competing too -- for the Pwnc was a sort of cross between a Cymanfa Ganu, eisteddfod, gregorian chant and catechism....... the author of the news report refers to "pwncing" as a verb, which is interesting in itself.
I had not realised, until reading this account, that before 1900 the established church was just as heavily involved in the tradition as the non-conformists.
All other info about the Pwnc gratefully received. Please add a comment if you like!
https://tegfan.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/countyechofinal.pdf
There are many fascinating things about this extract. First, the Pwnc was clearly thriving in 1898! Second, that Whit Monday was the time it was celebrated. Hundreds of men, women and children took part, and there were three separate celebrations, organised by the Methodists, the Baptists and the Church in Wales. The Methodists met at Brynhenllan, where the congregations and Sunday schools from Newport (Tabernacle?), Dinas, Glanrhyd and Gethsemane sang. The Church in Wales congregations and Sunday schools sang in Nevern Chirch, representing newport, Nevern, Cilgwyn and Dinas. And finally the Baptists sang at Bethlehem, Newport, representing Caersalem, Jabes, Glandwr and Tabernacle. twelve churches represented, singing flat out and competing too -- for the Pwnc was a sort of cross between a Cymanfa Ganu, eisteddfod, gregorian chant and catechism....... the author of the news report refers to "pwncing" as a verb, which is interesting in itself.
I had not realised, until reading this account, that before 1900 the established church was just as heavily involved in the tradition as the non-conformists.
All other info about the Pwnc gratefully received. Please add a comment if you like!
See also:
https://tegfan.net/2015/05/22/pwnc-to-rhyme-with-nunc/
======================
2 June 1898
In Dinas Whit-Monday has for a generation or two been set apart by prescriptive right for the Sunday school and those who prophesy a gradual but certain death to the 'Pwnc' must have been most disagreeably surprised ere the day was far spent. Evidences were not lacking to prove that this event has a foremost place in the hearts of those who attend the Sunday school. The children had long looked forward to this great day, and rising with the lark, paraded Feidr Fawr with light hearts and in clothes of every hue, waiting for the brakes, traps, wagonettes, etc. to convey them to their respective destinations. The enthusiasm displayed was unbounded, and we are bound to admit that the “Pwnc” bears no trace of consumption – either rapid or slow – but on the contrary is growing in popularity. “Old Sol” was conspicuous by his absence, and several of the old seadogs were heard speaking of dark clouds and falling barometer. One of them exclaimed excitedly “O Marget fach, ble mae dy mackintosh di? Mae yn well I tI fynd I ymofyn hi, anyhow.” The scholars were afraid lest the rain would seriously interfere with their day's enjoyment. However, Mr John Jenkins – who is a shoemaker, inventor, painter, cementer, mariner, and weathercock rolled into one – soon brought relief to the anxious crowd by exclaiming - “Oes dim glaw ynddi heddyw, fallai bydd yfori”. The Yankee is not in it with our John. Fortunately John's prediction was right this time again, for although “Old Sol” denied his lovely presence during the day there was no rain to mar the children's enjoyment. All the schools were marshalled on Feidr Fawr and left in their respective conveyances for Nevern and Newport.
Mr Stephen Davies conducted the singing of hymns on the way. Some disappointment was felt that no provision was made to convey the little Taborians. The large brake at Tyrhos was disengaged and if we desire the Pwnc long life we must give every encouragement to the rising generation.
The Methodists assembled at Brynhenllan and comprised the following churches:- Dinas, Glanrhyd, Gethsemane, and Newport. The chair in the morning and afternoon was ably filled by Capt D Harris JP, Soar Hill. The various school went through their work in the following order: morning, (1) Dinas; Conductor Rev Ll Griffiths; (2) Glanrhyd; conductor Rev Ll Griffiths; (3) Gethsemane; conductor Rev T Lamb. Afternoon: Newport; conductor Rev G E O Morgan. It would be invidious to make a distinction when one and all gave such admirable renderings. The singing of the respective anthems showed that the various choirs had been in constant practice for weeks, Mr Davies, Trewilyn, remarking upon the excellent voices possessed by the Dinas ladies. The children, under the baton of Mr Davies then sang several tunes, the conductor remarking that their renderings bore traces of elementary school teaching. At this stage the Rev G E O. Morgan explained that the absence of the Rev John Mendus, Tymeini was due to illness and proposed a vote of sympathy with him. The Rev T Lamb seconded and expressed a hope that the Almighty would be pleased to extend his life to be with them for many years to come. He went on to praise not only their number but also the excellent manner in which they went through their work. The time at the disposal of the conductor (Mr T Jones) was so limited that he deemed it inadvisable to sing the anthem. However, the choir gave beautiful renderings of Rhondda and Armageddon. The deacons are to be congratulated for the favourable impression their school made during the day. “Yn mlaen yr eloch”. Mr Lewis, Moylgrove, conducted the Gedeon Sunday School.
The church had their festival at Nevern church and were joined there by the churches Cilgwyn, Newport and Nevern. The Rev John Williams had every reason to be proud of his flock. They, like Gedeon, made a record attendance and went through their work in highly creditable manner. The churches recited in the following order:- (1) Cilgwyn; (2) Nevern; (3) Dinas; (4) Newport. Extreme regret was expressed at the absence through illness of Mrs W E Bennett, Ashgrove. She was a tower of strength to the Dinas ranks in voice and manipulation of the organ, and we trust she will soon recover to take her place at church. In her absence, Mr J Harris had to conduct and play and he did not seem at all nervous at the work. The “gannan gleed” was given an excellent style. Cilgwyn church gave a splendid account of themselves, and shared with Dinas the honours of the day. The quartet was excellently sung by Mrs Prouse, Misses F Alderson, M Drew. E M Jenkins, Madge Davies, and Messrs T C and E Bennett.
Taborians held their festival at Bethlehem, Newport. They were conducted by their worthy pastor, Rev J W Maurice. They were joined by the churches of Caersalem, Jabez, Glandwr and Newport. The Taborians mustered in strong force and the concourse shows that the Sunday school at Tabor is in a very flourishing condition. We are told that the Tabor took the palm in singing and “pwncing” “Oedd Jim wrth y lliw a phwy rhyfedd.”
=======================
This is from 1900:
On Whit Monday, a large number of Dinasites assembled at the Church (Dinas) to listen to the rendering of the “pwnc”, which was recited by the following choirs in the order named: - Llanllawer, Dinas, Cilgwyn, Nevern, and Newport (Pem). The various schools went through their parts very satisfactorily and the manner in which the anthems were sung was most creditable to the singers.
Later in the day a sumptuous tea was provided in the schoolroom to which full justice was done. The following ladies, assisted by many willing helpers, presided at the trays; Miss Williams and Miss Alderson (The Rectory), Mrs Capt Thomas (Cambrian Terrace), Mrs and Miss Drew, Mrs Bennett (Ashgrove), Mrs Carter Bennett (Hescwm), and Misses [sic] Hopkins. The room was very tastefully and profusely decorated for the occasion with flags, buntings and evergreens. We might mention that the flags were kindly lent by Mr Buffins (Coastguard) who also rendered valuable assistance in the work of decoration.
In the evening a most successful entertainment took place in the schoolroom, this being the first gathering of the kind ever held in this village by the church friends. Mr Wm Bennett (Hescwm) who was in his old form, made an ideal chairman, and he presided over a large and well-behaved audience.
=====================
There are various other mentions of the Pwnc as well -- it was something which was taken very seriously, involving many rehearsals. The "winners" at the celebrations clearly had every reason to feel chuffed with themselves!
======================
2 June 1898
In Dinas Whit-Monday has for a generation or two been set apart by prescriptive right for the Sunday school and those who prophesy a gradual but certain death to the 'Pwnc' must have been most disagreeably surprised ere the day was far spent. Evidences were not lacking to prove that this event has a foremost place in the hearts of those who attend the Sunday school. The children had long looked forward to this great day, and rising with the lark, paraded Feidr Fawr with light hearts and in clothes of every hue, waiting for the brakes, traps, wagonettes, etc. to convey them to their respective destinations. The enthusiasm displayed was unbounded, and we are bound to admit that the “Pwnc” bears no trace of consumption – either rapid or slow – but on the contrary is growing in popularity. “Old Sol” was conspicuous by his absence, and several of the old seadogs were heard speaking of dark clouds and falling barometer. One of them exclaimed excitedly “O Marget fach, ble mae dy mackintosh di? Mae yn well I tI fynd I ymofyn hi, anyhow.” The scholars were afraid lest the rain would seriously interfere with their day's enjoyment. However, Mr John Jenkins – who is a shoemaker, inventor, painter, cementer, mariner, and weathercock rolled into one – soon brought relief to the anxious crowd by exclaiming - “Oes dim glaw ynddi heddyw, fallai bydd yfori”. The Yankee is not in it with our John. Fortunately John's prediction was right this time again, for although “Old Sol” denied his lovely presence during the day there was no rain to mar the children's enjoyment. All the schools were marshalled on Feidr Fawr and left in their respective conveyances for Nevern and Newport.
Mr Stephen Davies conducted the singing of hymns on the way. Some disappointment was felt that no provision was made to convey the little Taborians. The large brake at Tyrhos was disengaged and if we desire the Pwnc long life we must give every encouragement to the rising generation.
The Methodists assembled at Brynhenllan and comprised the following churches:- Dinas, Glanrhyd, Gethsemane, and Newport. The chair in the morning and afternoon was ably filled by Capt D Harris JP, Soar Hill. The various school went through their work in the following order: morning, (1) Dinas; Conductor Rev Ll Griffiths; (2) Glanrhyd; conductor Rev Ll Griffiths; (3) Gethsemane; conductor Rev T Lamb. Afternoon: Newport; conductor Rev G E O Morgan. It would be invidious to make a distinction when one and all gave such admirable renderings. The singing of the respective anthems showed that the various choirs had been in constant practice for weeks, Mr Davies, Trewilyn, remarking upon the excellent voices possessed by the Dinas ladies. The children, under the baton of Mr Davies then sang several tunes, the conductor remarking that their renderings bore traces of elementary school teaching. At this stage the Rev G E O. Morgan explained that the absence of the Rev John Mendus, Tymeini was due to illness and proposed a vote of sympathy with him. The Rev T Lamb seconded and expressed a hope that the Almighty would be pleased to extend his life to be with them for many years to come. He went on to praise not only their number but also the excellent manner in which they went through their work. The time at the disposal of the conductor (Mr T Jones) was so limited that he deemed it inadvisable to sing the anthem. However, the choir gave beautiful renderings of Rhondda and Armageddon. The deacons are to be congratulated for the favourable impression their school made during the day. “Yn mlaen yr eloch”. Mr Lewis, Moylgrove, conducted the Gedeon Sunday School.
The church had their festival at Nevern church and were joined there by the churches Cilgwyn, Newport and Nevern. The Rev John Williams had every reason to be proud of his flock. They, like Gedeon, made a record attendance and went through their work in highly creditable manner. The churches recited in the following order:- (1) Cilgwyn; (2) Nevern; (3) Dinas; (4) Newport. Extreme regret was expressed at the absence through illness of Mrs W E Bennett, Ashgrove. She was a tower of strength to the Dinas ranks in voice and manipulation of the organ, and we trust she will soon recover to take her place at church. In her absence, Mr J Harris had to conduct and play and he did not seem at all nervous at the work. The “gannan gleed” was given an excellent style. Cilgwyn church gave a splendid account of themselves, and shared with Dinas the honours of the day. The quartet was excellently sung by Mrs Prouse, Misses F Alderson, M Drew. E M Jenkins, Madge Davies, and Messrs T C and E Bennett.
Taborians held their festival at Bethlehem, Newport. They were conducted by their worthy pastor, Rev J W Maurice. They were joined by the churches of Caersalem, Jabez, Glandwr and Newport. The Taborians mustered in strong force and the concourse shows that the Sunday school at Tabor is in a very flourishing condition. We are told that the Tabor took the palm in singing and “pwncing” “Oedd Jim wrth y lliw a phwy rhyfedd.”
=======================
This is from 1900:
On Whit Monday, a large number of Dinasites assembled at the Church (Dinas) to listen to the rendering of the “pwnc”, which was recited by the following choirs in the order named: - Llanllawer, Dinas, Cilgwyn, Nevern, and Newport (Pem). The various schools went through their parts very satisfactorily and the manner in which the anthems were sung was most creditable to the singers.
Later in the day a sumptuous tea was provided in the schoolroom to which full justice was done. The following ladies, assisted by many willing helpers, presided at the trays; Miss Williams and Miss Alderson (The Rectory), Mrs Capt Thomas (Cambrian Terrace), Mrs and Miss Drew, Mrs Bennett (Ashgrove), Mrs Carter Bennett (Hescwm), and Misses [sic] Hopkins. The room was very tastefully and profusely decorated for the occasion with flags, buntings and evergreens. We might mention that the flags were kindly lent by Mr Buffins (Coastguard) who also rendered valuable assistance in the work of decoration.
In the evening a most successful entertainment took place in the schoolroom, this being the first gathering of the kind ever held in this village by the church friends. Mr Wm Bennett (Hescwm) who was in his old form, made an ideal chairman, and he presided over a large and well-behaved audience.
=====================
There are various other mentions of the Pwnc as well -- it was something which was taken very seriously, involving many rehearsals. The "winners" at the celebrations clearly had every reason to feel chuffed with themselves!
======================
Here is a technical description of what goes on in the Pwnc:
'singing the text'. As now practiced in southwest Wales, the tradition is connected
with reciting biblical scriptures at catechismal festivals, which became prevalent in
the early 1800s. The style of sung recitation may, however, be much older. In a typi-
cal example, a passage from the Bible is announced, and the precentor sounds the
note. One group enters immediately on the same note, a second part comes in at a
fifth above, and the two parts chant together at that interval. The rhythm of the
chant is even, the tone firm and rather staccato, the diction clear. Phrasing is accord-
ing to punctuation: the reciting tone dips slightly on each strong accent; but at
cadences on commas or periods in the text, the dip may reach as much as a fourth.
These cadences are snapped sharply, in a sixteenth-and-dotted-eighth rhythm. The
alternation of voices adds variety, as children chant in unison, then women in unison,
then men, and then the entire congregation once more in two parts.
=========================
Another article:
http://www.andrewphillipsmith.com/uncategorized/canu-pwnc/
Canu Pwnc
Andrew Phillip Smith
Even though I grew up in Wales (albeit in Anglicised Penarth) and as an adult became very interested in traditional Welsh culture, I had never come across canu’r pwnc until my wife bought me a copy of The Rough Guide to Wales CD. The CD is a compilation of a wide variety of Welsh folk music, though not of Welsh music in a broader sense since it lacks any cerdd dant or male voice choirs. Canu’r pwnc is “a very ancient form of choral singing that… occurs in Pembrokeshire and western Carmarthenshire. ‘Canu’r pwnc’ is the chanting of scriptural text and usually takes place around Whitsuntide. The rhythmic structure and harmonisation sounds startling to modern ears, and yet this form of declamatory singing is very common and well-known throughout the region. The singing can last continually for an entire weekend, with people from different villages taking up the baton after a period to keep up the momentum.”
The selection on the Rough guide CD was recorded in Maenclochog in Preseli in 1967. They seem to be singing the genealogy from the beginning of Matthew or Luke. The singing sounds like the most pagan thing you ever heard. Canu’r Pwnc literally means ‘singing (bible) study.’ The people from Capel Rhywilym are prbably Welsh Baptists. But surely they were picking up on a style of singing that goes back at least to medieval times.
There’s an piece of Canu Pwnc on the BBC website, as part of a 1967 BBC Wales broadcast on Carmarthenshire. You might want to close your eyes when you listen to it for the first time, since the mysterious chant contrasts badly with the angelic schoolchildren in shirts and ties who are singing it on this clip ({if I remember rightly.) The link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/pembrokeshire.shtml
There’s an interesting article on voice by Mike Pearson here: http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/critical/critical_detail.asp?criticalID=98
He mentions Canu Pwnc: “Lampeter-based archaeologist Michael Shanks has written, ‘Archaeology is about some very basic and mundane things: grubbing around in decayed garbage, recovering traces of things and processes which go largely unnoticed today – what happens to broken bits of pot, to things that get lost, abandoned buildings, rotted fences, microbial action. A creeping, mouldering under-side of things’.(2) Archaeology leads equally to thoughts of ruin, decay, putrefaction and of aging, erosion, wearing…Which is perhaps why I found as much in the struggles of the canu pwnc group from Rhydwilym chanting John 1:1 – ‘Why do you move from a minor third to major third in your chant?’, asked the Vietnamese musicologist. ‘Because we can’t sing in tune’, replied the aged choir–as in the practised harmonies of the equally aged Bulgarian ‘Grannies’ of Bistritsa’.”
Many of the traditional forms of singing give an impressions of great age simply because the singers are of great age! This is often true of Irish sean-nos singing too. Still, this is a comic moment, a Vietnamese musicologist over in Wales being fascinated by an unusual musical transition that turns out to simply be singing out of tune.
Canu Pwnc
Andrew Phillip Smith
Even though I grew up in Wales (albeit in Anglicised Penarth) and as an adult became very interested in traditional Welsh culture, I had never come across canu’r pwnc until my wife bought me a copy of The Rough Guide to Wales CD. The CD is a compilation of a wide variety of Welsh folk music, though not of Welsh music in a broader sense since it lacks any cerdd dant or male voice choirs. Canu’r pwnc is “a very ancient form of choral singing that… occurs in Pembrokeshire and western Carmarthenshire. ‘Canu’r pwnc’ is the chanting of scriptural text and usually takes place around Whitsuntide. The rhythmic structure and harmonisation sounds startling to modern ears, and yet this form of declamatory singing is very common and well-known throughout the region. The singing can last continually for an entire weekend, with people from different villages taking up the baton after a period to keep up the momentum.”
The selection on the Rough guide CD was recorded in Maenclochog in Preseli in 1967. They seem to be singing the genealogy from the beginning of Matthew or Luke. The singing sounds like the most pagan thing you ever heard. Canu’r Pwnc literally means ‘singing (bible) study.’ The people from Capel Rhywilym are prbably Welsh Baptists. But surely they were picking up on a style of singing that goes back at least to medieval times.
There’s an piece of Canu Pwnc on the BBC website, as part of a 1967 BBC Wales broadcast on Carmarthenshire. You might want to close your eyes when you listen to it for the first time, since the mysterious chant contrasts badly with the angelic schoolchildren in shirts and ties who are singing it on this clip ({if I remember rightly.) The link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/pembrokeshire.shtml
There’s an interesting article on voice by Mike Pearson here: http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/critical/critical_detail.asp?criticalID=98
He mentions Canu Pwnc: “Lampeter-based archaeologist Michael Shanks has written, ‘Archaeology is about some very basic and mundane things: grubbing around in decayed garbage, recovering traces of things and processes which go largely unnoticed today – what happens to broken bits of pot, to things that get lost, abandoned buildings, rotted fences, microbial action. A creeping, mouldering under-side of things’.(2) Archaeology leads equally to thoughts of ruin, decay, putrefaction and of aging, erosion, wearing…Which is perhaps why I found as much in the struggles of the canu pwnc group from Rhydwilym chanting John 1:1 – ‘Why do you move from a minor third to major third in your chant?’, asked the Vietnamese musicologist. ‘Because we can’t sing in tune’, replied the aged choir–as in the practised harmonies of the equally aged Bulgarian ‘Grannies’ of Bistritsa’.”
Many of the traditional forms of singing give an impressions of great age simply because the singers are of great age! This is often true of Irish sean-nos singing too. Still, this is a comic moment, a Vietnamese musicologist over in Wales being fascinated by an unusual musical transition that turns out to simply be singing out of tune.
--------------------
https://www.muziekweb.nl/en/Link/KAX3850/The-Rough-Guide-to-the-music-of-Wales?TrackID=KAX3850-0005
Capel Rhydwilym — Canu’r Pwnc
on the CD “Rough Guide to the Music of Wales”, Track 5
=============
PS Thanks to Erica Davies for bringing this film to our attention. It's from 1974, and the last 5 mins were recorded at Cymanfa Bwnc at Capel Rhydwilym. A wonderful document...!!
