William Williams
1717–1791 · Wales · Baroque
William Williams (1717-1791) was a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist minister and hymn writer, renowned as the 'sweet singer of Wales.' He composed approximately 800 hymns in Welsh, establishing himself as one of the most prolific and influential hymn writers of the eighteenth century. His works were central to the development of Welsh Methodist hymnody and played a vital role in the religious awakening known as the Great Awakening in Wales. Williams' hymns were characterized by their emotional depth, theological substance, and accessibility to common people, making them fundamental to Welsh congregational worship. His legacy profoundly shaped Welsh-language Christian music and remains significant in Christian hymnody to the present day.