John Roberts

John Roberts, known for much of his life as Ieuan Gwyllt, was a Welsh writer, composer and conductor of the second half of the nineteenth century. Born in Penllwyn, near Aberystwyth, he died in Llanberis, near Caernarvon. His importance lies in the influence he exerted on the music of religious hymns in Wales.

His professional career began without a clear direction. In 1852 he moved to Liverpool to serve as sub-editor of the national Welsh newspaper Yr Amserau, and shortly afterwards he began to preach. Although he was a Nonconformist, during his time in Liverpool he was influenced by the Anglican style of church music, and it was there that he began compiling melodies for hymns. In 1858 he settled in Aberdare to edit Y Gwladgarwr. Following a new religious revival in Wales, he became a minister, although he was not ordained until 1861, and he published Llyfr Tonau Cynulleidfaol, a collection of melodies that sold some 17,000 copies in its first three years.

Roberts vigorously supported the Tonic Sol-fa method and edited several publications, among them Telyn y Plant, Y Cerddor Cymreig and Y Goleuad. He also acted as a judge in competitive eisteddfod contests and as conductor at choral festivals.

His legacy endures above all in his hymn tunes, of which 'Moab' and 'Liverpool' are counted among the most admired. W.H. Hadow considered 'Moab' to be among the seven greatest tunes in the world.