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Historical Society

HARLECH nurtured a number of composers as residents in the early 20th century, including Sir Granville Bantock, Cyril Scott and Patrick Kirwan.

None were perhaps as energetic as Joseph Holbrooke, man of tremendous artistic talent matched only by artistic temperament.

At the next meeting of the Society on Tuesday, 13 March, the president, Dr David Craik, a student of Edwardian classical music and a lecturer in history and politics will review Joseph Holbrooke’s life and work in Harlech and beyond.

Holbrooke’s 30 year residence in Harlech was both creative and controversial.

He was inspired by Welsh legends and culture and an enduring theme of his work was The Mabinogion, the ancient book of legends.

These narratives, some set in Harlech, provided the inspiration for many of Holbrooke’s compositions.

His most notable was probably “Bronwen”, an operatic adaptation of the story of Branwen.

Holbrooke wrote compositions for the Harlech pageants which were initially organised by Albert Graves, father of Robert Graves. Holbrooke also collaborated with other local composers, such as Barmouth GP Dr John Rippiner Heath.

He contributed to concerts at Wern Fawr, home of George Davison, and wrote piano sonatas with local titles such as “Talsarnau” and “Penmachno”.

Holbrooke’s compositions did much to revive international interest in Welsh music and culture but his contribution to music and culture remains largely unappreciated.

The meeting will commence at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, Neuadd Goffa, on Twtil just opposite the castle.

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