Griffith Hugh Jones

Griffith Hugh Jones (1849–1919) was a composer, best known for the song Llef. Also known by his Welsh-language pseudonym, Gutyn Arfon. Born January 1849 at Tŷ Du, Llanberis, Caernarfonshire, son of Hugh and Ellen Jones. When only 14 he was appointed an assistant to his father who was precentor at Capel Coch, Llanberis, for sixty years. He attended music classes held by John Roberts (Ieuan Gwyllt) and gained many certificates. After serving as pupil-teacher in Dolbadarn school he became an assistant teacher at the British school, Aberystwyth; he moved in 1869 to become headmaster of the primary school, Rhiwddolion, Betws-y-coed. He formed music classes at Capel Curig, Betws-y-coed, Penmachno, Ysbyty Ifan, Capel Garmon, and Dolwyddelan; he also formed a musical society at Betws-y-coed and led a band. He arranged operettas for school children, many performances taking place in the Conway valley. He was regarded as a good adjudicator and was in demand as a conductor of singing festivals. He was probably the first in the Arfon part of Caernarvonshire to introduce a musical instrument into the local chapel — Rhiwddolion chapel in this case. He wrote several anthems and hymn-tunes; his hymn-tune ‘Llef,’ written in memory of his brother Dewi Arfon, continues to be very popular. He published a collection of his brother's poems. He died 26 July 1919 and was buried in Nant Peris graveyard, Llanberis.