Hyfrydol (Welsh pronunciation:[həvˈrədɔl], meaning "delightful, agreeable, pleasing, pleasant, beautiful, fair, fine; sweet, melodious"[1]) is a Welshhymn tune that appears in a number of Christianhymnals in various arrangements. Composed by Rowland Prichard, it was originally published in the composer's handbook to the children's songbook Cyfaill y Cantorion ("The Singers' Friend") in 1844. Prichard composed the tune before he was twenty years old.[2]
Hyfrydol has a metre of 8.7.8.7.D (alternating lines of eight and seven syllables, usually in trochaic feet, other examples of which include Blaenwern and Abbots Leigh[3]).
The best-known arrangement is probably that by Ralph Vaughan Williams, which he originally produced for his revision of the English Hymnal; Vaughan Williams also composed some variations on this theme and it plays an important role as the third of his Prelude on Three Welsh Hymn Tunes (1920) for brass band.[4]
In addition to its use as a hymn tune, Hyfrydol has been arranged for brass bands and other instrumental groups.