Edward Jones

Who was Edward Jones?

Edward Jones was a Welsh harpist, bard, performer, composer, arranger, and collector of music. He was commonly known by the bardic name of "Bardd y Brenin", which he took in 1820, when King George IV, his patron, came to the throne.

Jones was born in Llandderfel, near Bala, and is remembered for his three volume work, the Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards.:

The Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards

The Bardic Museum Musical and Poetical Relics of the Welsh Bards; Preserved by Tradition from very remote antiquity. To the Bardic tunes are added Variations for the Harp, Piano-forte, Violin or Flute... Likewise a general history of the Bards, and Druids, from the earliest period to the present time.

Lyric Airs consisting of Specimens of Greek, Albanian, Walachian, Turkish, Arabian, Persian, Chinese, and Moorish National Songs and Melodies to which are added, Basses for the Harp, or Piano-forte. Likewise are subjoined, a few explanatory notes on the figures and movements of the Modern Greek Dances; with a short dissertation on the Origin of the Ancient Greek Music. Most respectfully dedicated to Mrs. Musters by the editor, Edward Jones, Bard to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.