Tune of the Day: Bread of Heaven
“Cwm Rhondda” (“Rhonda Valley”) is a popular hymn tune written in 1907 by Welsh organist and composer John Hughes. It is usually used in English as a setting for William Williams's text “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” (or, in some traditions, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”). The tune and hymn are often called “Bread of Heaven” because of a line in this English translation.
The hymn has been sung on various British state occasions, such as the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and the weddings of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Apart from church use, probably its best known use is as the 'Welsh Rugby Hymn', often sung by the crowd at rugby matches. English and Scottish football fans have also often sung a song based on this tune using the words “We'll support you evermore”, which in turn led to many different versions being adapted. The variation “You're Not Singing Any More” when taunting the fans of opposing teams who are losing remains extremely popular.
Thanks to Heather for suggesting this tune!