(Cerddorfa Gymreig y BBC)
Leader, Frank Thomas
Conductor, Idris Lewis
' Rhapsody, King Orry'
Manx legend has it that Mananan, a magician of ancient days, had the power to weave a gossamer-like mantle of mist over the Isle of Man, thus rendering it, when occasion arose, invisible to its enemies. Consequently its inhabitants dwelt in false security, for despite the belief that no invader dare approach for fear of courting disaster, this beautiful island of purple heather and golden gorse was peacefully conquered in the tenth century by the Vikings, whose leader, Orry the Dane, was proclaimed the first King of Mann.
The opening movement of the Rhapsody depicts the island, en-shrouded by ' Mananan Mantle', resting peacefully, completely unaware of the landing of the Vikings, which is represented by the succeeding lively section of the work. It concludes with a reiteration of the opening theme, symbolising the contentment and prosperity which abounded under the reign of the new monarch.