Cerdd dant

Summary

Cerdd dant is a Welsh vocal art in which a singer or singers set poetry against an independently shaped harp melody. In its familiar modern practice the two lines create a planned relationship rather than simple tune-and-chord accompaniment. Poetic accent, melodic design and the timing of their meeting are part of the artistry. The term has historical meanings connected with string music, so older manuscript references should not automatically be read as descriptions of today's vocal competition format. Here the catalogue concerns the living poetry-and-harp singing practice.

Contemporary and trending

The art continues through teaching, local performance, festivals and eisteddfod competition, with solo and group presentations. A listener unfamiliar with Welsh can still hear the two musical lines, but following the poem illuminates the decisions in setting it. Competitions provide a visible framework without exhausting the practice's cultural life; preparation itself involves careful verbal and musical judgment. New settings allow performers to work with poetry actively rather than merely preserve a fixed song. The aim is not simply to place more notes around a poem but to make its shape interact convincingly with another musical structure.

History

Welsh poetic and string traditions supply a long cultural background, while the particular conventions of modern cerdd dant have their own development. Collections, educational institutions and organized performance helped articulate expectations about setting and presentation. Historical terms can shift their meanings, making it essential to distinguish evidence for older instrumental repertory from accounts of later sung practice. Archives at the National Library preserve documents and festival papers that help trace these changes. This layered history is more useful than claiming that one unchanged art has passed intact from medieval harp manuscripts into modern competition halls.

Musical characteristics

A harp melody, often called the cainc, provides one line; the vocal counter-melody or cyfalaw carries the poem. The singer does not merely double the harp tune. Entry, melodic movement and the alignment of cadences create a relationship that can be followed across the whole setting. Listen first to the harp's contour, then attend to where the voice enters and how its phrase reaches an arrival in relation to it. Group settings add questions of balance and coordination. The technical work serves verbal expression: an ingenious counter-melody still has to make the poem intelligible and persuasive.

Geography and communities

The practice belongs to interconnected Welsh-language teaching and cultural networks, including smaller communities that prepare performers for larger events. It should not be mapped as a single peak at an eisteddfod venue, because the knowledge exists in rehearsal rooms, homes and local lessons across a wider landscape. Western and northwestern Wales provide a strong working core, with broader Welsh participation beyond it. The geographic field is therefore regional rather than venue-sized. It indicates a living musical and linguistic network, not a measured distribution of every singer or an exclusive boundary around Welsh identity.

Artists

Representative practitioners include the solo singers, harp accompanists, teachers and vocal groups documented in cerdd dant festivals and eisteddfod programs. Their collaborative roles are more informative than manufacturing a list of commercial stars for an art organized differently. Harpists' repertory knowledge and teachers' understanding of poetic setting are central creative contributions. Hearing both solo and ensemble performances makes the range clearer: an individual singer may foreground verbal nuance, while a group must solve additional coordination problems. Archive papers and recordings can also reveal how conventions change between generations rather than supplying one permanently authoritative model.

Representative performances

These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.

MuGlobe listening profile

Repertoire	Field use	Notes
traditional	regional	Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.

MuGlobe representative performances

Artist	Performance / song / title	Embedded player URL	Notes	Repertoire kind	Repertoire date	Recording date	Format	Opening	Places	Fit	Evidence	Review note	MuGlobe favorite	Current hit	Authentic
Mared Williams	Hiraeth — Y Busnes Cerdd Dant ’Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/qI2kFRlcImI	S4C identifies traditional words and J. Eirian Jones’s cainc Cysgod Y Wern, making the relationship between sung poetry and an independent tune explicit.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	pending	Existing recording	Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.	false	false	false
Casi Wyn	Cân o Fawl i’r Hydref	https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFENQ8IwoVY	A second S4C presentation, crediting Wyn’s words and Gwennant Pyrs’s cainc Dwynwen; contemporary poetic setting within cerdd dant.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	pending	Existing recording	Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved.	false	false	false
Parti Cerdd Dant a Gwerin, conducted by Gwennant Pyrs; harpists Angharad Wyn Jones and Tudur Eames	PARTI CERDD DANT a GWERIN - Cywydd Croeso (Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Caernarfon 2026). Cyngerdd Blynyddol 2026	https://www.youtube.com/embed/FpUiH8GXt20	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Gwasanaeth Cerdd Ysgolion Gwynedd a Môn. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2026-09-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Gwasanaeth Cerdd Ysgolion Gwynedd a Môn. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Awen and Olive	‘Seren’ Olive ac Awen Deuawd Cerdd Dant o dan 16 🥇 Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Y Garreg Las 2026 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿	https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyfRPtDKpSI	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2026-08-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Adran Ffynnonddrain	3ydd - Adran Ffynnonddrain - Parti Cerdd Dant Bl.6 ac iau (Unsain) (Adran) - Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2026	https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9N-0lRAo1k	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Adran Ffynnonddrain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2026-06-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Adran Ffynnonddrain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Emmie Davis	‘Llaw’ / Emmie Davis / Unawd Cerdd Dant / Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Yr Urdd	https://www.youtube.com/embed/itpT4pKXAhw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2026-05-30; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Awen and Olive	‘Pan Dorro’r Wawr’, Awen ac Olive / Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Yr Urdd / Deuawd Cerdd Dant Bl.7, 8,a 9🥈	https://www.youtube.com/embed/OH7gLRtuDbA	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2026-05-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	live	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Coleg Cambria	Coleg Cambria Gŵyl Cerdd Dant 2025	https://www.youtube.com/embed/60Brm3-M1Fw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Tim Heeley. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2025-11-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Tim Heeley. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Emmie Davis	'Y Gwanwyn' by Emmie Davis Unawd bl 5 a 6 Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025	https://www.youtube.com/embed/4nx0wsEmikk	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2025-08-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Amanda Davis. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Greta Ann Jones	3ydd - Greta Ann Jones - Unawd Cerdd Dant o dan 12 oed - Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2025	https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0c5P9W8YcM	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Greta Ann. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2025-08-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Greta Ann. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Adran Ffynnonddrain	Adran Ffynnonddrain - Parti Cerdd Dant Bl.6 ac iau (Unsain) (Adran) - Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025	https://www.youtube.com/embed/xepOAHv_irw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Adran Ffynnonddrain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2025-06-02; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Adran Ffynnonddrain. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Leisa and Fflur	Leisa a Fflur - Pam fod eira yn wyn. Gwyl Cerdd Dant Aled 2024	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ML1CnR8KDZQ	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Bethan Williams. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2024-11-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Bethan Williams. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Greta Ann Jones	3ydd - Greta Ann Jones - Unawd Cerdd Dant Cynradd - Gŵyl Cerdd Dant 2024	https://www.youtube.com/embed/HErTz85VfxI	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Greta Ann. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2024-11-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Greta Ann. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Gŵyl Cerdd Dant2024 welcome ensemble (individual performers uncredited; publisher: S4C)	Cywydd Croeso Gŵyl Cerdd Dant 2024 er cof am Aled Lloyd Davies | S4C	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZViQWoP_zUk	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2024-11-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Ruth, Ceri and Siriol	Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2024 Triawd Cerdd Dant Ruth Ceri a Siriol	https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVDdkzYeBLw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: The Davieses are off again!. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2024-08-09. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2024-08-21; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	2024-08-09	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: The Davieses are off again!. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2024-08-09. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Elysteg Llwyd	Elysteg Llwyd | Ysgol Twm o'r Nant Dinbych | Cerdd Dant | Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 1988	https://www.youtube.com/embed/yz5jqkfTbpk	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: AA. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2023-11-15; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: AA. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Bro Alaw	Bro Alaw - Twm Siôn Cati - Cerdd Dant	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZixUghuvFIw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Owain Gwilym. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2023-06-17; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Owain Gwilym. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Côr Cerdd Dant Ysgol y Creuddyn	Côr Cerdd Dant Ysgol y Creuddyn Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2022	https://www.youtube.com/embed/MsLNPtCFujs	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: julia taylor. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2022-06-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: julia taylor. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Morgan Elwy	"Cerrig Cariad" - Morgan Elwy | Mwy o'r Busnes Cerdd Dant 'Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/GjSEUjVRYww	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2021-12-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Steffan Rhys Hughes	Eira ar y Coed | Steffan Rhys Hughes | Y Busnes Cerdd Dant 'Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/hsMuofMHLCw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-11-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Huw Ynyr	Mae'r Môr yn Faith | Huw Ynyr | Y Busnes Cerdd Dant 'Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJhSlq3HzNg	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-11-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Llio Evans	Llio Evans | Y Busnes Cerdd Dant 'Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/evMrOZG6CLA	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-11-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Rhydian Jenkins	Tipyn Bach o Fachwr | Rhydian Jenkins | Y Busnes Cerdd Dant 'Ma	https://www.youtube.com/embed/ySKhYu0gqrg	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-11-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Mared	Mared - 'Cofio' ar yr alaw 'Siliwen'	https://www.youtube.com/embed/4W7wCgVEKsM	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: BBCRadioCymru. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-11-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: BBCRadioCymru. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Côr Unedig Cerdd Dant (2009 National Eisteddfod)	Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2009 - Côr Unedig Cerdd Dant	https://www.youtube.com/embed/zBJY_T8XY3Y	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harold Jones. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-03-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Harold Jones. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Awen and Olive	Esyllt a Catrin | Cerdd Dant	https://www.youtube.com/embed/eHmOslrfPi4	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Noson Lawen. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2020-01-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Noson Lawen. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Uncredited competing choir / Gŵyl Cerdd Dant2019 (publisher: S4C)	Côr Cerdd Dant Agored #GCD2019	https://www.youtube.com/embed/GqubDdbn868	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2019-11-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Uncredited competing vocal ensemble / Gŵyl Cerdd Dant2019 (publisher: S4C)	Parti Cerdd Dant Agored #GCD2019	https://www.youtube.com/embed/76AKEnMk4Ws	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2019-11-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: S4C. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Cai Fôn Davies	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2010 - Uwchradd - Cai Fon Davies	https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dn4O-i1JWiw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-05-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Pedwarawd Isca	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2010 - Pedwarawd Isca	https://www.youtube.com/embed/OF4IXZ79o78	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-05-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Elfed and Catrin	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2010 - Deuawd Cerdd Dant - Elfed a Catrin	https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUVbHM7vSEo	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-05-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Côr Seiriol	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2010 - Cor Seiriol	https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ahy-pHzMvOQ	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-05-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Ffion Ellis Davies	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2010 - Unawd Uwchradd - Ffion Ellis Davies, Porthaethwy	https://www.youtube.com/embed/6kHfxDe1Szw	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-05-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: Delwedd. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Côr Merched Canna, Caerdydd	Wales - Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2011	https://www.youtube.com/embed/cLu9UHDfnis	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: pedrcymro29. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2012-03-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: pedrcymro29. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Côr Arianrhod Dyffryn Nantlle	Gwyl Cerdd Dant - Cor Arianrhod Dyffryn Nantlle	https://www.youtube.com/embed/XPCdOzRG3xk	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: pedrcymro29. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2010-11-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: pedrcymro29. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Lleisiau’r Nant, Dinbych	Gwyl Cerdd Dant, Casnewydd 2009, LLEISIAU'R NANT, DINBYCH	https://www.youtube.com/embed/j86AfM2ynYs	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: gwernant. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2009-11-17; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: gwernant. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false
Uncredited Cywydd Croeso singers / Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Dyffryn Clwyd2008 (publisher: gwernant)	Gwyl Cerdd Dant 2008, Dyffryn Clwyd	https://www.youtube.com/embed/9CLQ-KUOljM	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: gwernant. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire. Video publication: 2008-01-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.	traditional	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	unknown	supported	Recording/context source	Reviewed Cerdd dant work/performance in its documented musical context. Source: gwernant. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual vocal/harp setting identified at work/competition level, distinct from adjacent Welsh folk and instrumental harp repertoire.	false	false	false

Related genres

Cerdd dant intersects with Welsh folk and poetic performance but differs from a simple folk song accompanied by harp. Chapel hymn singing and choral competition share social institutions while organizing musical lines in other ways. Historical Welsh harp music is a related subject with separate evidence, not a ready-made synonym. For discovery, listen once to the harp line alone if possible, then follow the vocal entry with a translation of the poem. That approach exposes the compositional relationship more clearly than treating the performance as an unfamiliar kind of harmony singing.

References and further reading

• Cerdd dant archive holdings — National Library of Wales

Hotspot mushrooms

Cerdd dant is sustained by a distributed Welsh-language teaching and poetry network. Western and northwestern communities form a coherent working heartland while broader Welsh participation is lighter; individual competition venues should not become separate cultural islands.

These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms

ID	Location	Latitude	Longitude	Radius (km)	Strength	Notes
cerdd-dant-welsh-language-art-network	Welsh-language cerdd dant teaching and performance landscape	52.6	-4.0	250	1	A regional field represents distributed knowledge beyond prominent competition halls.
cerdd-dant-wider-welsh-participation	Wider Welsh poetry and harp participation	52.1	-3.5	280	0.55	Gentler coverage distinguishes wider participation from the principal transmission core.