This article discusses two aspects of Grace Williams’ (1906–1977) output that have been neglected in the current bibliography about the composer, which are her vocal arrangements of Welsh folk tunes and her only opera, ‘The Parlour’. Bearing in mind that Grace Williams is mainly associated with orchestral music, this research reflects the desire to investigate and give deserving attention to the works that have been ignored in the past. The need to reconsider the significance of her folk-song arrangements and the opera is emphasized with the aim of getting a complete picture of the composer’s output. The discoveries are based on recent research that has already been presented as a MARes degree (Bangor University 2022) and current research for a doctoral degree that is to be completed in the coming years.
Keywords
Grace Williams, The Parlour, folk-song arrangements, Welsh music, composers of Wales, neglected works, musical biography