| AdminHistory | John Richards, better known by his bardic name Isalaw, was born in a house called King's Head in Hirael, Bangor, Caernarfonshire. His father, Richard Richards came from Aberdaugleddau, Pembrokeshire and his mother, Mary, came from Llangwnadl in Llyn. He was educated at the British School in the Garth area of Bangor, Caernarfonshire and then went to Shoreland Road school, Birmingham, England for two years where his interest in music began under Mr Andrew Deakin, organist.When he returned to Bangor, he, and a Thomas Williams, started the first Sol-fa class in Bangor.
John Richards wrote immaculately and assisted a number of composers in transcribing and correcting their work. He also wrote a number of articles on music in various journals. He was a prolific composer and published Caneuon Isalaw. Much of his work appears in the hymn books of various denominations.
Isalaw died on 15 September 1901 and was buried at Glanadda Cemetery, Bangor. |