David Owen (January 1712 – August 1741) was a Welsh harpist, best remembered as the composer of the popular song, "Dafydd y Garreg Wen" ("David of the White Rock"), which according to tradition Owen composed as he was dying. Dafydd y Garreg Wen was later adapted and published by harpist Edward Jones.[1]
David Owen | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1712 |
| Died | August 1741 (aged 28–29) |
| Instrument | Harp |
David Owen was the son of Owen Humphreys of Ynyscynhaearn in Caernarfonshire (the surname "Owen" being a patronymic). His mother's maiden name was Gwen Roberts. He composed several well-known airs.[2] He was buried in the churchyard of St Cynhaiarn's Church in his home village of Ynyscynhaearn.[3]
Musical works
edit- "Dafydd y Garreg Wen"
- "Codiad yr Ehedydd" ("The rising of the lark")
- "Difyrrwch gwŷr Criccieth" ("The delight of the men of Criccieth")
Notes
edit- ^ "Second Hand Songs - Song: Dafydd y Garreg Wen - David Owen". Retrieved 18 November 2012.
- ^ "Who is David Owen?". Retrieved 18 November 2012.
- ^ Robert David Griffith. "OWEN, DAVID ('Dafydd y Garreg Wen'; 1711/12-1741), harpist". Welsh Biography Online. National Library of Wales. Retrieved 30 May 2018.