The Description of Wales
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Book I
Chapter XIII
Of their symphonies and songs
In their musical concerts they do not sing in unison like
the inhabitants of other countries, but in many different
parts; so that in a company of singers, which one very
frequently meets with in Wales, you will hear as many
different parts and voices as there are performers, who all
at length unite, with organic melody, in one consonance and
the soft sweetness of B flat. In the northern district of
Britain, beyond the Humber, and on the borders of Yorkshire,
the inhabitants make use of the same kind of symphonious
harmony, but with less variety; singing only in two parts,
one murmuring in the base, the other warbling in the acute
or treble. Neither of the two nations has acquired this
peculiarity by art, but by long habit, which has rendered it
natural and familiar; and the practice is now so firmly
rooted in them, that it is unusual to hear a simple and
single melody well sung; and, what is still more wonderful,
the children, even from their infancy, sing in the same
manner. As the English in general do not adopt this mode of
singing, but only those of the northern countries, I believe
that it was from the Danes and Norwegians, by whom these
parts of the island were more frequently invaded, and held
longer under their dominion, that the natives contracted
their mode of singing as well as speaking.
The Description of Wales
Book I
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Chapter XII
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