Cwrw Bach: In the pre-industrial communities of the Welsh Valleys, the Cwrw Bach were a means and way of receiving services and favours without resorting to the use of money. Payment for agricultural labour was often made in kind and not infrequently in home-brewed beer. This gave rise to the tradition of the cwrw bach (literally 'small beer'). Home brewed beer or porter could be used to pay for services at the cobbler's or tailor's shop, or as a repayment for the favours of neighbours. But just as importantly, as testified to by the renowned Amman Valley poet Watcyn Wyn, the Cwrw Bach (sometimes known as y meth) was also an institution that helped to make life more bearable and neighbourly in a community that was generally poor in terms of worldly goods, these meetings were also known as Cwrw Gwadd. The weak beer brewed was a fairly innocuous drink, but brought neighbours together to relax and discourse. The cwrw bach became an important preparatory school for those with a talent for performing; storytelling; poetic competitions and sing-songs could all arise out of one of these gatherings. Cwrw Bach is a scherzo-like playful, light 3 minute movement which attempts to capture the atmosphere of a Cwrw Bach gathering. The style of this movement should never be too heavy and remain light at all times. The upper dynamics should be played in the context of the music and style.
Read more...