Title based on contents.
John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia, 1826-1913), harpist, was born on St David's Day 1826 in Bridgend, Glamorgan. At the age of twelve, he won the prize of a new triple-strung harp at the 1838 Abergavenny National Eisteddfod. From 1840 to 1846, sponsored by Ada, Lady Lovelace, Thomas studied at the Royal College of Music. During the 1850s he gave concerts throughout Europe. From 1850 to 1910 he published over two hundred works, including editions of harp works by Handel, Spohr and Mozart, and four volumes of his own Welsh Melodies for harp and voice (1857, 1862, 1870, 1874). From 1862 Thomas promoted some forty annual concerts of Welsh music, which included large choral sounds and multiple harps. At the National Eisteddfod of Aberdare in 1861 he was invested with the title 'Pencerdd Gwalia'. In 1871 Thomas succeeded to the post of professor at the Royal Academy of Music and the following year was appointed harpist-in-ordinary (and, in 1885, musician-in-ordinary) to the queen; following Victoria's death in 1901 he continued as harpist to Edward VII. Thomas married Alice Ann Keate (1855-1880) in 1878; he married his second wife, Joan Frances Denny (1849-1926) in 1885; both were his former pupils. He gave his last concert on 17 June 1905 and died 19 March 1913.
Published
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales
Papers, 1830-1930, of or relating to John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia), including original musical manuscripts, mainly compositions and arrangements for the harp, 1853-1905; correspondence mainly relating to his concerts, compositions and travels, and to musical circles in London and Wales, 1842-1930; journals of European concert tours, 1851-1883; concert programmes, 1851-1905; papers of his wife, Joan Frances Thomas, 1878-1926, including tour journals, 1878-1883; and passports, 1873, 1885.
Arranged according to NLW MSS reference numbers: NLW MSS 19118-19147, 21822D, 23389-23409, 23795A.
NLW MSS 19118-19146; Lt-Gen. Sir G. Ivor Thomas; Bushey Heath; Donation; 1950
NLW MS 19147E; Mr Philip Fitzhugh Stryker; Washington, DC; Purchase; October 1965
NLW MS 21822D; Phillips; London; Purchased at auction, lot 546; 10 June 1982; B1982/15.
NLW MSS 23389-23409; British Library; London; Donation (previous provenance unknown); March 1995; A1995/38.
NLW MS 23795A; Mrs Mary Grindley; Mottingham, London; Donation; 1999
Description compiled by Bethan Ifans for the retrospective conversion project of NLW MSS and revised by Rhys Morgan Jones. The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: Handlist of Manuscripts in the National Library of Wales, Volume 8 (Aberystwyth, 1999); Handlist of Manuscripts in the National Library of Wales, Volume 9 (Aberystwyth, 2003); Y Bywgraffiadur Cymreig hyd at 1940 (London, 1953); Oxford Dictionary of National Biography WWW site, viewed 21 April 2009;
See also NLW MSS 19764-71E which contain autograph and holograph manuscripts of John Thomas. Newspaper cuttings and other items donated with NLW MSS 23389-23409 are NLW ex 1678; photographs and an album of pencil drawings and water-colours by Joan Thomas are now NLW Photo Album 2115 and NLW Drawing Volume 485 (8vo) respectively.
Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to abide by the conditions set out in information provided when applying for their Readers' Tickets, whereby the reader shall become responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 in relation to any processing by them of personal data obtained from modern records held at the Library.
Usual copyright laws apply.
The contents of NLW MSS 23389-23409 are indexed in greater detail in Handlist of Manuscripts in the National Library of Wales, vol. 9 (Aberystwyth, 2003).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19118E.
Published
Chorus & full orchestral score of 'The march of the men of Harlech'. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 1).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19119E.
Published
Arrangements of 'The Last Rose of Summer', 'The Harp that once thro' Tara's Halls', 'The Minstrel Boy', 'The Blue Bells of Scotland', and 'Home Sweet Home'. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 2).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19120E.
Published
The hymn-tunes 'Bangor' & 'Salome', with arrangements of the former for soprano, contralto, tenor, bass, and for the harp, and of the latter for the harp, and the fifteenth century Welsh melody 'Pen-rhaw', arranged as a melody and for pennillion singing. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 3).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19121E.
Published
'Scenes of Childhood', a duet for two harps or harp and piano, dedicated to J. Balsir Chatterton, harpist to the Queen; with printed copy. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 4).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19122E.
Published
'Cambria', a duet for two harps or harp and piano; with printed copy. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 5).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19123E.
Published
'Come to battle', a duet for two harps or harp and piano. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 6).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19124E.
Published
'Romance', a duet for harp and violin or cello. 'Rondo Piacerole', a duet for harp and violin, 1889. 'Larghetto', a duet for harp and violin or cello, 1905. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 7).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19125E.
Published
'Grand duet' a duet in E flat minor for two harps, 1865. 'March of the Welsh Fusiliers', a duet for two harps or harp and piano, 1896. 'Bardic fantasia', a duet for two harps or harp and piano, 1874. 'Coronation march', a duet for two harps or harp and piano. 'Souvenir du nord', a duet for harp and piano. Andantino', a duet for harp and piano, 1868. 'Souvenir du bal', a duet for harp and piano, dedicated to Mrs Edmund Tattersall, 1875. 'Le désir', a rhapsody for two harps or harp and piano. March in C major for two harps or harp and piano, 1892. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 8).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19126E.
Published
Studies for the harp, 1863-1868 (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 9).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19127E.
Published
Harp score. See NLW MS 19128E for the full orchestral score. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 10).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19128E.
Published
Full orchestral score. See NLW MS 19128E for the harp score. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 11).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19129E.
Published
'There be none of Beauty's daughters ...', a song in F with harp and piano accompaniment, 1887; with printed copy, of song in F and in G. 'A mother's lullaby', a song in E flat and in C with harp and pianoforte accompaniment, 1885; with printed copy in C. 'The maiden and the sunbeam', a song in G and in F and in B flat with piano and harp accompaniment, 1888, with printed copy in G and F. 'The guardian spirit', a song in G with harp and harmonium accompaniment, with printed copy in B flat. 'The memory of love', a song in F and G with harp and pianoforte accompaniment, 1889. 'The dewdrop and fairy', a song in E flat with pianoforte accompaniment. 'Forty years ago (Deugain mlynedd gynt)', a song in C, 1890. 'Twas when the seas were roaring', a song for four voices. 'The fairy casket', a song in G, 1881. 'O delyn fy ngwlad (O harp of my land)', a song and chorus in A flat minor, 1893. 'The blind harper', a song. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 12).
Preferred citation: NLW MSS 19130-19131E.
Published
Welsh melodies for the voice, comprising: 'I'r Awen', chorus, 1862. 'Llwyn onn', arranged as solo and for four voices. 'Codiad yr ehedydd', arranged for four voices. 'Ar hyd y nos', arranged for four voices. 'Hob y deri dando', arranged for four voices. 'Morva Rhuddlan', arranged as solo and for four voices. 'Difyrwch y brenin', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Y ferch o'r Scer', arranged as a solo for four voices. 'Y gadlys', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Toriad y dydd', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Serch hudol', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Clychau Aberdyfi', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Glan meddwdod mwyn', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Rhyfelgyrch gwyr Harlech', arranged as a solo and for four voices, with harp part. 'Merch Megan', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Nos Galan', arranged as solo and for four voices. 'Y fwyalchen', arranged as solo and for four voices. 'Codiad yr haul', arranged as solo and for four voices. 'Dafydd y garreg wen', arranged as a solo and for four parts. 'Syr Harri Ddu', arranged as a solo and for four parts. 'Bugeilio'r gwenith gwyn', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Difyrrwch Arglwyddes Owain', arranged for four voices. 'Tros y garreg', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Y deryn pur', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Y bardd yn ei awen', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Ffarwel y telynor i'w enedigol wlad', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Dewch i'r frwydyr', harp accompaniment. 'Gogerddan', harp accompaniment. 'Merch y melinydd'. 'Hela'r sgyvarnog', harp accompaniment. 'Yr hên Sibyl', harp accompaniment. 'Ymadawiad y brenin', harp accompaniment. 'Mentra Gwen', harp accompaniment. 'Caerphilly', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Y bore glas', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Eos lais', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Pe cawn i hon', arranged as a solo and for four voices. ''Y 'deryn du pig-felyn', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Dyffryn Llanberis', arranged as a solo and for four voices, 1873. 'Gyda'r wawr', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Triban Morganwg', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Cwynfan Prydain', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Megan a gollodd ei gardas', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Callyn serchus', arranged as a solo and for four voices. 'Y fam a'i baban', arranged as a solo and for four voices, 1874. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MSS 13-14).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19132E.
Published
Rhapsody for the harp, 1898. 'Eolian sounds', a harp solo, 1891. 'Autumn: reverie for the harp', 1852. 'Winter', a harp solo, 1855. 'Echoes of a waterfall: caprice for the harp', 1882. 'Reverie for the harp', 1882. 'Pensive and joyous', a fantasia for the harp, 1866. 'L'esperance: morceau di Mazurka for the harp', 1853. 'Tyrolienne', a characteristic piece for the harp, 1881. Staccato movement for the harp, 1904. 'The smile', a harp solo, 1854. 'The parting', a romance for the harp, 1854. Harp solo, 1855. 'Adieu my native country', a harp solo, 1852. 'Rákóczy march' for the harp, 1853. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 15).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19133E.
Published
'The harp in the orchestra', a paper by John Thomas. Notes on the history of the harp. History of the harp from the earliest period down to the present day, by John Thomas (London, n.d.). 'The national music of Wales', an essay by John Thomas. 'Welsh music', a paper read before the Incorporated Society of Musicians at the Park Hall, Cardiff, 29 Dec. 1896. A paper on Welsh music read before the Incorporated Society of Musicians by Mr John Thomas (Harpist to the Queen) at the lesser Park Hall, Cardiff, on Tuesday afternoon, 29 Dec. 1896. Two copies. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 16).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19134E.
Published
'Il Bacio', valse composed by Arditi, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1861. 'My home in Cloudland', song composed by J. Benedict, harp accompaniment by John Thomas, 1864. 'The Ilma valse' composed by Arditi, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1866. 'L'estate', valse by Arditi, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1867. 'M'appari tutt' Amor', transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1868. 'Ben è Ridicolo', canzone by Alberto Randegger, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1868. 'Assisa, a piè d'un Salice', romanzce from Otello, transcribed by John Thomas, 1868. 'Una Furtiva Lagrima', transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1868. Duet for two harps or harp and piano on melodies from 'La Sonnambula', 1868. Duet for harp and piano on subjects from Gounod's Faust by John Thomas and Jules Benedict, 1869. Duet for harp and piano on melodies from 'La Favorite' by John Thomas, 1873. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 17).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19135E.
Published
'Adelaida', Beethoven's celebrated cantata arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1875. 'The Rákóczy march', arranged for the harp by John Thomas, 1879. 'Prelude' by Mendelssohn with accompaniment for violin, harp, organ or harmonium by John Thomas, 1880. 'Ave Maria' by Schubert arranged for harp by John Thomas, 1881. 'Miserere' from the 'Trovatore' arranged as a trio for two harps and pianoforte by John Thomas, 1881. 'Lonely, am I now no longer', song from 'Preciosa, the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1882. 'Marche Solemella' by Gounod arranged for two harps by John Thomas, 1882. 'Gigue' by Handel, arranged for the harp by John Thomas, 1882. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 18).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19136E.
Published
Duet for two harps or harp and piano on themes from 'Norma' by John Thomas, 1884. Prayer from 'Mos' in Egitto' arranged for two harps or harp and piano by John Thomas, 1884. Duet for harp and piano on themes from 'Carmen'; by John Thomas, 1885. 'Ever', a song by Arthur Sullivan, the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1888. 'Gwalia', a hymn-tune, 1889. 'Ave-Maria' by Mascagni, with harp accompaniment by John Thomas, 1892 and 1894. 'Song without words', composed by Gustav Hölzel, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1894. 'Oh, thou mine dear evening star', a romance from 'Tannhauser', the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1894. Study for the harp by John Thomas, 1896. 'King of kings', a hymn by Sullivan transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1898. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 19).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19137E.
Published
'Wedding march' from Mendelssohn's 'Midsummer Night's dream' arranged for two harps or harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Adagio Cantabile' from Sonate Pathetique, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'Marche Funebre' by Chopin arranged for two harps or harp and piano by John Thomas. Barcarolle by Gounod, accompaniment for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'E questo il loco-ella qui posa ...' from the opera 'Giulietta e Romea' by Vaccai, the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Ar hyd y nos' arranged by John Thomas. 'Dafydd y garreg wen' and 'Syr Harri Ddu' arranged for the harp by John Thomas. Soldier's chorus from 'Faust' arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Liebestod' from 'Tristan and Isolde', by Wagner, arranged for the harp by John Thomas. 'Lady Hildred', song composed by Balfe, the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Hark! Apollo', a glee by Sir Henry Bishop, harp-part arranged by John Thomas. ''Tis the harp in the air', a song from 'Maritana' by Vincent Wallace, the accompaniment arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'The moonlight sonata' by Beethoven transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'L'adieu' by Franz Schubert, arranged for two harps or harp and piano by John Thomas. See also NLW MS 19138 below. 'Gigue and gavotte' by Corelli, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'Si oiseau j'étais à toi je volerais', étude by Adolphe Heuseet, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'La Carit', composed by Rossini, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. Concerto for the harp by Handel, the orchestral accompaniment arranged for the pianoforte by John Thomas.(Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 20).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19138E.
Published
'Impromptu' by Schubert, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1896. 'Ave Maria' by Schubert, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'The erl king' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Serenade' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1900. 'The praise of tears' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1900. 'Marguerite' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'The wanderer' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1900. 'Barcarolle' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'The maiden's lament' by Schubert, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas. 'The promise of spring' by Schubert, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1900. 'L'adieu' by Schubert, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1900. 'The trout' by Schubert, arranged for the harp and piano by John Thomas, 1900. 'The fountain' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1900. 'The fisher maiden' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1883. 'The farewell' by Schubert, arranged for the harp and piano by John Thomas, 1883. 'To Sylvia' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1884. 'Sois toujours mes seules Amours', arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas, 1884. 'Thine is my heart' by Schubert, arranged for harp and piano by John Thomas. 'Adieu to the piano' by Beethoven, transcribed for the harp by John Thomas, 1904. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 21).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19139E.
Published
Mendelssohn's prelude in B flat, arranged for orchestra and band of harps by John Thomas. Prelude by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy arranged for harp and violin with an accompaniment for organ or harmonium by John Thomas. Harp part. Two copies. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 22).
Preferred citation: NLW MSS 19140-19141E.
Published
'Serenata' from Zanetto by P. Mascagni. Harp part. 'Ein Schwan', a song by Grieg. Harp accompaniment. 'Breathe my harp', a glee by Sir Henry Bishop. Harp part. 'Der Sangerkreig' from Tanhaüser by Wagner. Harp part. 'Preis Lied' from 'Der Meistersinger' by Wagner. Harp part. 'Paradise and the peri' by Schumann. Harp part. 'Serenade' from Mephistophile' by Boito. Harp part. 'Serenata' by Tosti. Harp part. 'Hymn to Apollo'. Harp part. 'Spiagge Amate', an aria from the opera 'Elena e Paride', by Gluck. Harp part. 'Chorale (No. 16)' by Bach. Harp part. 'Sérénade' by Gounod. Harp part in G and E flat. 'Ave-Maria' song from 'The Lady of the Lake', by G. A. Macfarren. Harp part. 'Siciliana' from 'Cavalleria Rustica' by Masagni. Harp accompaniment. 'Finale' from 'Mireille' by Gounod. Harp part. 'Largo' by Handel. Harp part in G. 'Scenes of my youth', a song by Julius Benedict. Harp part in E flat, and B flat. Scenes of my youth: ballad ... in the romantic opera The gipsy's warning ... music by Jules Benedict. 'Maid of Athens', a song by Gounod. Harp part in C and D and E flat. Maid of Athens ... set to Music ... by Charles Gounod. 'The lost chod' by Sullivan. Harp parts in F and A flat. The lost chord by Arthur Sullivan. Three copies. 'Lohengrin' (Introduction, 3rd Act). Harp accompaniment to the chorus. 'The children's kingdom' by J. Blumenthal. The accompaniment arranged for harp, piano and harmonium. 'Nocturne' by Chopin arranged for harp and violoncello. Harp part. 'The festival' (Ballad of Haroun al Raschid) by J. F. Bridge. Harp accompaniment by [John Thomas]. 'Valse de Faust pour harpe et piano'. 'The war march of the priests' by Mendelssohn. Accompaniment for harps. 'The toy symphony' by Haydn. Harp accompaniment. 'God save the Queen'. Harp accompaniment, and arranged for four voices. Trios for female voices by Brahms. Accompaniment for second harp. 'Traume', a song by Wagner. Harp accompaniment. 'God bless the Prince of Wales'. Harp accompaniment. 'O lord, I will praise thee' a song, solo and chorus. Harp accompaniment. 'Blessed are the pure in heart'. Harp accompaniment. 'Carita' by Rossini. Harp accompaniment. 'Nazareth' (Gounod). Harp accompaniment. 'Prelude' by Mendelssohn. Harp part. 'Peace to the dreamers'; quartette from 'The Fairy Ring', a cantata by W. H. Cummings. Harp accompaniment. 'Ye little birds', a song by A. Goring Thomas. Harp accompaniment. 'Auf Flugeln des Gesanges' by Mendelssohn. Harp-part in G, in A, A flat and in B flat. 'Ave Maria', a meditation by Gounod on Bach's Prelude. Harp-part. 'Hen wlad fy nhadau'. 'The banks of Allan Water'. Arranged for the harp. 'The silver ring' with harp accompaniment. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MSS 23-24).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19142E.
Published
Concerto for harp and flute with orchestral accompaniment by Mozart; Paris 1778; [with pianoforte accompaniment by John Thomas]. Mozart's Werke ... Concert für Flote und Harfe. 'Messe Solomnelle' by Rossini. Harp part. 'Kyrie eleison', arranged for male voices. 'Ilo Messo, Muone Corde ae Mandolino' by Gounod. Piano accompaniment. Romances nos 24 and 19 for the pianoforte by P. Alvarus. 'Fametto' by Moscagni. Harp accompaniment. 'Weber's last waltz'. 'Himno Nacional'. Rgh. 'Gavotte' by Bach. 'Lied: Bergeslust' by Mendelssohn. 'Woton's abschied und Fever zauber' (Die Walkure). 'Fear thou not', chorus of angels; and baritone air 'The heavens are opened' by Benedict. Overture to the 'Flying Dutchman' (Wagner). 'Mandolinnata'. Harp and piano parts. 'Schlummerlied', with accompaniment for tenors, violoncellos and harp by Alberto Randegger. 'The convent', a song. 'Rhyfelgyrch Cadben Morgan', a song. 'Alice Gray', a song. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 25).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19143E.
Published
Miscellaneous music, including original work by Léon Gatayes and Parish Alvaré, comprising: Romance pour la harpe par Lon Gatayes; an autograph manuscript presented to John Thomas, July 1871; with a copy. 'Romance pour la harpe'; an autograph manuscript of Parish Alvar, presented to John Thomas, 1852. Air with variations and Rondo Pastorale composed for the harp by Mozart. Air with variations and rondo pastorale ... for the harp ... by W. A. Mozart. Miscellaneous fragments. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 26).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19144C.
Published
Music book of John Thomas at the Royal Academy of Music. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 27).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19145C.
Published
The editor's own interleaved and annotated copy of Songs of Wales, ed. by John Thomas (London, 1874). (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 28).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19146F.
Published
Illustrations to Llewelyn: a dramatic cantata by John Thomas; with illustrations by D. E. Wageman. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 29).
Preferred citation: NLW MS 19147E.
Published
'Deep in my soul', words by Byron, inscribed by composer. Music. (Formerly Pencerdd Gwalia MS 30).
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 21822D.
Published
Letters, 1843-1901, to Pencerdd Gwalia mainly from friends and acquaintances. Covering the greater part of his career, they contain references to his concerts, compositions and travels, and to musical circles in London and Wales, and include one letter, 1901, granting permission to use the title 'Harpist to the King' (f. 132).
Correspondents include John Gibson (1) 1855, Augusta Hall, Lady Llanover (4) 1851-1853, John Jones (Talhaiarn) (1) 1863, Lewis William Lewis (Llew Llwyfo) (1) 1862, Augusta Ada King-Noel, Lady Lovelace (1) 1847, Lord Mostyn (1) 1893, Thomas Oliphant (1) 1861, John Owen (Owain Alaw) (3) 1861, Cipriani Potter (7) 1843-1861, Brinley Richards (1) 1862, and Maria Jane Williams (Llinos) (1) 1853. Also included are a circular letter, 1862, from John Thomas, inviting subscriptions to his Welsh Melodies (f. 109 verso), and two of his draft replies, 1893, 1901, to correspondents (ff. 130, 135).
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23389E.
Published
Letters and cards, 1851-1910, to John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) reflecting his long career and including references to his early efforts to establish himself as a musician, to his concert tours abroad, and to his compositions.
Among the correspondents is Robert Browning (1) 1889; also included are drafts and copies of letters, 1851-1910, from John Thomas.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23390C.
Published
Letters and cards, 1851-1912, to John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) reflecting his long career and including references to his early efforts to establish himself as a musician, to his concert tours abroad, and to his compositions.
Among the correspondents are Augusta Hall, Lady Llanover (17) 1851-1857, John Ceiriog Hughes (Ceiriog) (1) 1863, John Jones (Talhaiarn) (5) 1862-1866, and Franz Liszt (1) 1854. Also included are drafts and copies of letters, 1851-1910, from John Thomas.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23391E.
Published
Letters and cards, 1842-1910, to John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) reflecting his long career and including references to his early efforts to establish himself as a musician, to his concert tours abroad, and to his compositions.
Among the correspondents are Augusta Ada King-Noel, Lady Lovelace (18) 1844-1847 and n.d., Dr Joseph Parry (1) 1874, Cipriani Potter (6) 1851-1867, Brinley Richards (4) 1862-1864 and n.d., Sir Arthur Sullivan (1) 1873 and Penry Williams (1) 1855. Also included are drafts and copies of letters, 1851-1910, from John Thomas.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23392iA.
Published
A journal of a tour in Germany and to Vienna and Prague undertaken by John Thomas, October 1851-February 1852, in order to advance his career.
Centred mainly upon Vienna, it includes an account of his first concert abroad, February 1852, as well as a critique of concerts attended by him. Leaves found loose inside the volume have been filed seperately (MS 23392iiB).
For other tour journals of John Thomas, see NLW MSS 23393-23397, in particular NLW MS 23395C, f. 1 verso.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23392iiB.
Published
Leaves found loose inside John Thomas's tour journal (NLW MS 23392iA), containing diary entries for the period 1 January-4 April 1852.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23393A.
Published
A journal of a tour in Germany and Russia, 22 September 1852-13 April 1853, undertaken by John Thomas, including accounts of concerts given by him in St Petersburg, 1852-1853, and Moscow, 1853.
For other tour journals of John Thomas see NLW MSS 23392, 23394-23397.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23394A.
Published
A journal of John Thomas for the period 3 November 1853-8 April 1854, his first season in Paris, including entries of visits made and received, and performances given at concerts and soirées.
For other tour journals of John Thomas see NLW MSS 23392-23393, 23395-23397.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23395C.
Published
A journal of John Thomas, 30 September-21 December 1854, describing a tour in Italy, visiting Genoa, Naples, Pompeii and Rome.
Also included (f. 1 verso) is an account of the start of his first journey to the continent, 22 October 1851 (see MS 23392iA, f. 1).
'To John from his friend Clara, July 4th 1853' on f. 1.
For other tour journals of John Thomas see NLW MSS 23392-23394, 23396-23397, in particular NLW MS 23392iA, f. 1.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23396A.
Published
Journal entries for the period 1 January-3 March 1859 with further intermittent entries to 11 April, a period spent by John Thomas in Paris (ff. 1-15 verso); accounts of expenditure incurred in connection with his stay in Paris, 16 September 1858-20 January 1859 (ff. 17-22 verso); and two leaves from a diary for 1889 containing entries by John Thomas, 19-25 September and 27-31 December (ff. 25-6).
For other tour journals of John Thomas see NLW MSS 23392-23395, 23397A.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23397A.
Published
A fragment of Letts's Diary, No. 13, 1873, mainly used by John Thomas to record his stay in St. Petersburg, December 1873-March 1874, and including references to concert arrangements and to meetings with the Duke of Edinburgh and with members of the Russian royal family and aristocracy.
For other tour journals of John Thomas see NLW MSS 23392-23396.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23398F.
Published
Certificates and other documents of, or relating to, John Thomas, 1841-1913, and his wife, Joan Frances Thomas, 1885-1926, including Royal Academy of Music reports of John Thomas, 1841-1845, and certificates of his appointment as Harpist in Ordinary, 1872, and as Musician in Ordinary, 1885, to Queen Victoria; accounts, notes, lists, and other memoranda relating to his concerts, 1852-1905; draft autobiographical notes by John Thomas, [c. 1879]; poems and songs, in English and Welsh, including a 'Bridal Ode on the Marriage of The Prince of Wales to The Princess Alexandra of Denmark, March 10th, 1863', by John Jones (Talhaiarn), and Ode on the marriage of H.R.H. the Duke of York and H.S.H. Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, July 6th, 1893, by Lewis Morris; and other miscellaneous items.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23399D.
Published
Thirty-seven letters and three telegrams relating to the knighthood erroneously credited to Pencerdd Gwalia in the press, 1907, together with a draft letter of explanation by John Thomas (f. 1); letters of condolence on his death, 1913, including letters on behalf of King George V, Queen Mary, and Queen Alexandra; six letters, 1885-1922, to Mrs Joan Thomas; and other miscellaneous letters, 1900-1930.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23400D.
Published
Miscellaneous items, mostly accumulated by John Thomas, [1850s]-[1870s], including englynion to him by David Griffiths (Clwydfardd), Lewis William Lewis (Llew Llwyfo), Titus Lewis (Titan), and David Williams (Alaw Goch) (ff. 1-5); and sketches and drawings, including those depicting the harp (ff. 11-14), a sketch of Franz Liszt (f. 21), and engravings of Welsh and other views. Also included is a letter, 1830, from the Marquis de Lafayette (f. 17).
'John Thomas the gift of his friend Miss Susan Stone, May 13th 1852' on front endpaper of album (now f. i).
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23401E.
Published
An album containing mainly pasted-in cuttings from newspapers and journals in English, French, German and Italian, and other miscellaneous items relating to John Thomas, 1852-1916, including concert programmes, a letter by him, 1892, endorsing Erard harps, and eight telegrams of condolence on his death, 1913.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23402E.
Published
Programmes of concerts, 1851-1905, mostly by John Thomas, including concerts at Buckingham Palace, 1880-1881; material, 1870-1877, relating to the Welsh Choral Union; papers, 1877-1908, relating to the Royal Academy of Music Welsh Scholarship founded by John Thomas in 1883; and other miscellaneous items.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23403C.
Published
An album containing pasted-in newspaper reports on the death and funeral of John Thomas, 1913.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MSS 23404-23405A.
Published
Journals of Joan Denny describing a tour in Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, August-October 1878 (MS 23404A, pp. 1-80; MS 23405A, pp. 1-130), and a visit to Vienna, Munich and Nuremberg, May 1880 (MS 23405A, pp. 131-154).
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MSS 23406-23407A.
Published
Journals of Joan Denny describing a tour in Austria and to Cortina in Italy, August-September 1883.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23408B.
Published
'Echoes from the "Harp of David". A Sketch (Historical traditional and otherwise) of the music of the Jewish Temple', an account written, [?1880s], by Titus Lewis (Titan), Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, and apparently unpublished.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23409B.
Published
A notebook containing transcripts, [c. 1904], by William Davies (Gwilym Glan Ogwy), Bridgend, Glamorgan, from Jane Williams, The literary remains of the Rev Thomas Price ('Carnhuanawc')..., vol. 2 (Llandovery, 1855), relating to the presentation of a Welsh triple harp to Edward, Prince of Wales, 1843, sent by him to John Thomas; together with a covering letter, 7 May 1904.
Title based on contents.
Preferred citation: NLW MS 23795A.
Published
A passport, issued 5 December 1873, to John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) for 'travelling on the Continent', bearing the stamp of the Russian consulate in London and the immigration office in St Petersburg, Russia (f. i); it is pasted inside the front cover of a purpose-made wallet. Another passport, issued 31 August 1885, to John Thomas and his wife, is also included (f. ii).