David Owen (harpist) explained

David Owen
Birth Date:	January 1712
Instrument:	Harp

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 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

• "Dafydd y Garreg Wen"
• "Codiad yr Ehedydd" ("The rising of the lark")
• "Difyrrwch gwŷr Criccieth" ("The delight of the men of Criccieth")

Notes and References

1. Web site: Second Hand Songs - Song: Dafydd y Garreg Wen - David Owen. 2012-11-18.
2. Web site: Who is David Owen?. 2012-11-18.
3. Web site: OWEN, DAVID ('Dafydd y Garreg Wen'; 1711/12-1741), harpist. Welsh Biography Online. Robert David Griffith. National Library of Wales. 30 May 2018.