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23 November 2008
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They say...
"It's part of Welsh culture and there's nothing else that can represent your own history and roots and their future more than your own musical culture" - Fiona Richie
We say...
Wales has a rich musical heritage, and although many of its traditional instruments are not commonly heard, there are still musicians keeping the folk traditional alive, arranging and performing melodies that have been popular for centuries.

Celebrating its musical roots helps confirm Wales distinctive culture. As we enjoy the tunes, dances and instrumental forms that have delighted us for generations, we can become part of the tradition as it moves forward.

On these pages you'll find information on the instruments and their history, along with audio clips of experts talking and performing.

Around the site

The crwth

One of the oldest of traditional Welsh instruments.

The pibgorn

A simple reed instrument once popular with shepherds and cattle drovers.

The whistle and flute

The oldest whistle found in Wales is believed to be 900 years old.

The harp

Wales has an unbroken tradition of harp playing.

The fiddle

Fiddle playing was popular with the great Romany families of Wales.

Clog dancing

A dance originally performed by farmers and slate quarry workers.



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