From the back cover: “It is not generally known that part singing had its origin and early development among the Cymry, or as the English called them, the Welsh. A famous historian, Giraldus, writing in 1138, speaks of their skill in vocal music, which they sang in parts, and not, as elsewhere, in unison. This skill and custom, developed through the ages, finds its expression today in the Gymanfa Ganu, the Assembly or Festival for Sacred Song. 

...It is, as it must be to be Welsh, a democratic institution, for persons in all positions of life take part in it. It is devoted to four-part singing of hymns and anthems, and has given the congregational singing of the Welsh people concededly first place among the nation. 

...Since the demands of part singing could not be met by hymns of simple character, meant to be and usually sung in unison, hymns were composed or adapted for this more harmonious phase of vocal music. Some of these composers, such as Ieuan Gwylit, have produced tunes which, according to the greatest musicians, take rank among the masterpieces of the world. A number of them, rich in melody and harmony, are included in this book. 

The Gymanfa Ganu has been an incentive and an inspiration to the best talents among the Welsh composers, for to them there can be no greater glory or higher recognition than to have an accepted place in such an institution. 

Music, like religion, speaks a universal language; and like it, too, it uplifts and benefits all it touches. To extend its beneficial influence through the medium which has made such a deep impress on Welsh life, the National Gymanfa Ganu has been formed as a permanent American institution, giving promises that in this, our beloved land, the devotional spirit of our Cymric forebears shall, through it, find even wider expression. 

To the spirit of America gallant little Wales has contributed much. It is confidently believed that the Gymanfa Ganu is not least among those gifts