Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738)

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The blind harpist Turlough O'Carolan is generally recognised to be Ireland's first great composer.

Now his music is firmly established in the traditional repertoire and also crosses over into the classical repertoire. Seán Ó Ríada and The Chieftains made his music famous around the world.

Most of his tunes are named after people or families (Planxty's), usually these were his patrons.

Some of his most popular tunes include O'Carolan's Concerto, Carolan's Draught, Carolan's Receipt, Eleanor Plunkett, Fanny Power, George Brabazon, Hewlett, Mrs Mc Dermott, Lord Inchiquin, Planxty Irwin and Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór.

The following biography comes from the Enyclopedia Britannica

Turlough O'Carolan, also called Terence Carolan (born 1670, near Nobber, County Meath, Ireland, died March 25th, 1738, Alderford, County Roscommon), one of the last Irish harpist-composers and the only one whose songs survive in both words and music in significant number (about 220 of provable provenance are extant with an uncounted number apocryphally attributed).
     The son of an iron founder, O'Carolan became blind from smallpox at the age of 18. He was befriended by a Mrs. MacDermott-Roe, the wife of his father's employer, who apprenticed him to a harper and supported him for the three years of his training, then gave him money, a guide, and a horse.

As an itinerant harper, he traveled widely in Ireland. Although never considered a master performer, he was highly regarded as a composer of songs and improvised verse. His tunes appeared widely in 18th-century collections.

Carolan's music has featured on countless recordings. The following recordings all feature his music heavily. This discography comes from http://www.oldmusicproject.com/OCC.html
  • Carolan's Cottage (1986)
    Joemy Wilson
    Carolan's music on the hammered dulcimer
    DARGASON MUSIC
  • Carolan's Cup
    Joemy Wilson
    Carolan's music on the hammered dulcimer
    DARGASON MUSIC
  • Carolan's Receipt (1992)
    Derek Bell
    CLADDAGH
    • Tunes Include: Sidh Beag Agus Sidh Mor, Carolan's Receipt, Lady Athenry, Fanny Poer, Maire Dhall, Sir Festus A Burca, Ruisg, A Bhean No Tabhaire and Carolan's Ramble to Cashel, Carolan's Concerto, Sean O Conchubhair and A H-uisci Chriodhe Na N-Anamann, Seoirse Brabston, Maible Ni Cheallaigh, Madam Maxwell/Carolan's Nightcap/Lady Gethin, Brighid Cruis, Sean O'Raighilligh, Carolan's Farewell to Music
  • Carolan's Favourite (1988)
    Derek Bell
    CLADDAGH
    • Tunes Include:
      Hugh O'Donnell, All Alive, Carolan's Favourite Jig, Carolan's Fancy, Square Wood's Lamentation on Ye Refusal of his Halfpence, Sean Jones, Robert Jordan, Lady St. John, Denis O'Conor, David Poer, James Plunkett, Clan O'Hara, Lament for Terence MacDonough, Lady Dillon, Michael O'Connor, Bridget Cruise, Carolan's Welcome, Madam Keel, Colonel Palmer, The Right Reverend, the Lord Bishop MacMahon of Clogher, O'Flin, The Right Reverend John Hart, The Bishop of Achonry, Katerine O'More, Elizebeth MacDermott Roe, Anna MacDermott Roe, Carolan's Variations on Cock up your Beaver
  • Carolan agus Ceolta eile (1979)
    The Douglas Gunn Ensemble
    Featuring Stephen O'Shea GAEL LINN CEF 077
    See Douglas Gunn's Home Page and the Douglas Gunn Ensemble.

    • Tunes Include (not all are Carolan):
      Slainte Bhrea Hewlet (Hulet's Health), Thugamair fein an Samhradh linn (Song), The Princess Royal, Planxty Maguire, Blind Mary (Song), Siobhan Ni Dhuibhir, Mrs. Edwards, Nead na lachan (Song), Lord Inchiquin, Callino Casturame (Song), Maire Ni Ghriofa, Slan le Ceol (Carolan's Farewell to Music), Molly McAlpine, Si beag, si mor, Miss Murphy, The Lark in the clear air (Song), The Rocky Road to Dublin
  • O'Carolan's Feast
    The Douglas Gunn Ensemble - with Frank Dunne (Tenor)
    OSSIAN RECORDS OSS CD65
    • Tunes Include:
      Carolan's Welcome; Planxty Connor; John Kelly; Sir Arthur Shaen; Madam Cole; Carolan's Receipt; Madam Maxwell; Cait Ni Bhriain; Turlough Og MacDonach; Charles O'Conor; Thomas O'Burke; Lament for Charles MacCabe; John Nugent; O'Rourke's Feast

      Plus four songs (in the original Irish): Cupan Ui Eaghra; Plearaca na Ruarcach; Seoirse Brabston; Dr. Sean O hAirt
  • Irish & Italian Music: Carolan & Corelli
    The Douglas Gunn Ensemble
    PODDLE RECORDS PR 001 (Cassette)
    • Tunes Include:
      Carolan's Cap; Planxty Sudley; Lament for Eoin Roe O'Neill; Planxty Irwin; Fanny Power; John O'Reilly the Active; Si beag, si mor; Lord Galways Lamentation; Nanny McDermott Roe
      Plus Two Trio Sonatas of Corelli:Op.2, No.7 & Op.2, No.1 (A.A.B.Recorders)
  • The Carolan Album (1991)
    Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman
    OLD BRIDGE MUSIC OBM02

  • Carolan's Welcome: Harp Music of Ireland (1993)
    Carol Thompson
    DORIAN 90176