Gwerz

Gwerz (Breton: [ɡʷɛ̞ʀz], "ballad", "lament", plural gwerzioù) is a type of folk song of Brittany.

Lyrics and sheet music for the gwerz "Ar Roue Gralon Ha Kear Is" ("King Gradlon and the City of Ys", 1850)

In Breton music, the gwerz tells a story[1] which can be epic, historical, or mythological. The stories are usually of a tragic nature. The gwerz is characterised by an often monotonous melody and many couplets, all in the Breton language. Though historically sung unaccompanied,[2] some modern musicians use limited instrumentation with the gwerz.

Some of the most famous performers in current gwerzioù are Erik Marchand, Yann-Fañch Kemener, and Denez Prigent.

Gwerzioù

Here are some of the most famous gwerzioù:

  • Gwerz Skolan
  • Gwerz Ker is
  • Gwerz Plogo
  • Gwerz Fañchig kemper
  • Gwerz ar vezhinerien
  • Ar Roue Gralon ha Kear Is
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References
  1. Sean Williams (2010). Focus: Irish Traditional Music. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-99146-3.
  2. "Denez Prigent". Retrieved 26 Dec 2013.


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