Thomas John - The Ash Grove (for three harps)

Arranged by John Thomas
Adapted for three harps by Toos Stotijn Heuwekemeÿer
Edited by Edward Witsenburg

JOHN THOMAS - LLWYN ONN (THE ASHGROVE)

John Thomas (1826-1913), the celebrated Welsh harper, was an example to many generations
of harpists in the UK. He was also a prolific composer and the traditional music of his native
country took a prominent place in his works. Although most of his compositions have passed
into oblivion due to his old-fashioned, highly romantic style, several of his "Welsh Melodies
for the Harp" are still often performed today.

Toos Stotijn Heuwekemeijer was greatly attracted by the beauty of Welsh folk music. She
chose Thomas 'Llwyn Onn to make a version for three harps. This resulted in a virtuosic
arrangement with much use of glissando effects.

In the original song version the two melodic sections are built up as follows: AABA. John
Thomas notated a further repeat which resulted in an AABABA construction. Mrs. Stotijn
decided to leave out all the repeats in the variations: she felt that too much of the same added
no new elements and only weakened the piece in the end. Of course players are free to choose
to perform it with or without the repeats.