William Lloyd (b. Rhos Goch, Llaniestyn, Caernarvonshire, Wales, 1786; d. Caernarvonshire, 1852) composed MEIRIONYDD, which was first published in manuscript form with the name BERTH in Caniadau Seion (Songs of Zion, 1840, ed. R. Mills). The tune is named after the Welsh county Meirionydd in which Lloyd lived; that county is also the site of the Harlech Castle made famous in story and song. A cattle farmer and dealer, Lloyd was also a self-taught musician. He had a fine voice and conducted various singing societies in his hometown as well as in other cities.
Although generally attributed to Lloyd, MEIRIONYDD could be a traditional Welsh melody that he arranged. Shaped in bar form (AABC), the tune is set in sturdy rhythms and harmonies for choral singing. Compared to the typical triadic outlines in Welsh melodies, this tune is more stepwise. Sing it rather boldly, in balance with the tone of the text. A higher setting is found at 472.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
