Title

Y Gath a'r Golomen
The Cat and the Pigeon / Le chat et le Pigeon

Composer /
Arranger

PRIZE WINNING NEW WORK
National Eisteddfod of Wales 2004 - Tlws y Cerddor - Composer's Medal.

Translated from the Welsh, 'Y Gath a'r Golomen' means 'The Cat and the Pigeon’ - two apparently well-known adversaries often seen on the pier in Bangor, and photographed by Owain Llwyd in 2003. Inspired by the Eisteddfod requirement of a duo for flute and harp, the composer decided that the harp should portray the cat, and that the flute should portray the pigeon. The underlying tension of the situation is exploited in this brilliant, unusual, dramatic and amusing piece.

The first movement, 'Animato', introduces the two characters, the persuasive cat trying to attract the pigeon's attention; but the clever bird escapes the cat's claws, and flies away. 'Portrayal' or 'Characterisation' is perhaps the best translation of the title of the second movement, and the different aspects include 'yn flin' (cross), 'styfnigrwydd' (determination), 'hiwmor' (humour), 'meddyliol' (wistfully) and 'tristwch' (sadness). In the final 'Scherzo', the cat prepares to pounce again, and the piece ends as the bird disappears in a final flurry of feathers…

The first performance of 'Y Gath a'r Golomen' was given by Nicola Phillips (Flute) and Deian Siôn Rowlands at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, Newport and District, on Saturday 31 July 2004, immediately following the ceremony during which Owain Llwyd was invested with the Tlws y Cerddor (Composer's Medal).