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Results of Welsh hymn countdown

09 March 2009

One of Wales' best-loved hymns has come top in an online poll to find the nation's favourite hymn by Elfed, the Welsh Congregational minister and poet from Carmarthenshire.

Arglwydd Iesu, Dysg im Gerdded came top out of a shortlist of 12. The winning hymn, along with the other favourites, was performed at a special Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol concert, filmed at Venue Cymru, Llandudno and broadcast on S4C.

Alwyn Humphreys, the renowned conductor and one of Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol's regular presenters, led the audience in a celebration of Elfed's work, while musical accompaniment was provided by the Chamber Orchestra of Wales.

Elfed - real name Howell Lewis - was born at Y Gangell near Blaen-y-Coed in 1860. He took his pseudonym from his native parish, Cynwyl Elfed, and although he was an award-winning poet, he's perhaps better-known as one of Wales' foremost hymn writers.

Other hymns on the shortlist included Cofia'n Gwlad, Benllywydd Tirion, Yr Arglwydd a feddwl amdanaf and Rho im yr Hedd.

The programme was broadcast on S4C on Sunday, 8 March, and it is also available to view on S4C's online catch-up service, s4c.co.uk/clic.

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