I spent yesterday at a book launch, crwth workshop and crwth concert and thought there could well be some 'Catters who would have been in their element.

Fiddler/crwthwr Cass Meurig has edited an 18th century tune book (part of her PhD Thesis) and has published it through the National Library of Wales. To quote the intro, "The manuscript is a valuable resource both for players of Welsh fiddle tunes and for those interested in the history of Welsh music. ... and unselfconscious recored of the popular music of one region of Wales during the mid-eighteenth century." I hasten to point out that this is a fiddler's tune book, and so has a huge amount - the majority - of tunes which are not 'native' Welsh; many English and Scottish. But in terms of a 'snap shot' of what was being played by professional fiddlers of the time, it is extremely interesting. Cass has also given brief historical notes to the 438 (!) tunes.

If anyone is interested, it is published by Gwasg Gomer (Gomer Press), Llandysul with ISBN No. 1 86225 042 1. I think I paid ... £15 ? ... for it.

Cass also used the opportunity to bring out a solo Crwth album (titled: Crwth) on the Fflach: tradd label, CD272H. A really listen-able album with a combination of traditional/historical tunes for the crwth as well as some of her own compositions. Highly recommended!

siân