The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan

Joe Cavanagh, WHUS 91.7 FM, Storrs, Connecticut
"My response to this CD is very positive. From the tracks I have previewed and played on air I think the production values are very high. I have discussed for my listeners the personal significance of "Lord Inchiquin" in my repertoire of fiddle tunes.

Product Description
Turlough O'Carolan, last of the Irish bards, was born in 1670 near Nobber, County Westmeath, but moved with his family to the Roscommon-Leitrim area while very young. His father was employed at an iron foundry operated by the St. George and MacDermott Roe families. Totally blinded in his late teens by smallpox, Turlough O'Carolan was taken in by Mrs. MacDermott Roe at the Alderford house, near Boyle. Here, he studied under a harper for three years. A more creative tale claims that O'Carolan once slept on a fairy rath and forever after heard fairy music to inspire him. "The Harper's Reverie" captures some of O'Carolan's fanciful musings.

At age 21, equipped with a horse, a guide and money, O'Carolan began his career as an itinerant harper although he seldom traveled much beyond the province of Connacht. In the Irish bardic tradition, the harper was popular and held high social status in the "Big Houses," and the tunes composed for his patrons were referred to as "planxties" (musical tributes). Considered as much more than a mere musician or composer, O'Carolan was an honored guest of his patrons and regarded as a sage who articulated eloquence, wit and profundity. And, of course, he kept his patrons informed of the latest gossip collected while traveling the Irish countryside. If, by chance, he encountered a less than hospitable host (as he once did at the house of Jennings of Mayo), O'Carolan might be heard ranting, "Devil take the glass that was meant for a dwarf, and the same for the hand that didn't fill it by half!"

O'Carolan had numerous romantic affections, and some of his compositions were written for his lady loves. Many of his songs addressed to Bridget Cruise, his youthful yet hopeless attachment, have been irretrievably lost.

The influences of Italian composers such as Geminiani and Corelli show in some of O'Carolan's works. The sources for most of the tunes played in this compilation are Edward Bunting's "Ancient Music of Ireland" collections. Bunting transcribed and arranged many of the tunes he heard at the 1792 Belfast Festival of Harpers, a gathering of musicians and musicologists interested in preserving this important heritage. At the Harpers' Festival, Bunting witnessed only one harper still using the old fingernail technique (rather than using the flesh of the finger), and by the 1820s the great school of Irish harp playing had greatly disappeared.

In 1738, O'Carolan died and was buried at the cemetery of the old 6th century O'Duignan Abbey at Kilronan, his grave adjoining the vault of the MacDermotts. In 1990, my wife (also a harpist) and I were fortunate to attend the Turlough O'Carolan Thirteenth International Harp Festival and visited O'Carolan's gravesite. The Festival is held in the picturesque Irish village of Keadue, County Roscommon, at the foot of the Arigna Mountains near the shores of Lough Meelagh in the heart of O'Carolan country.

Near Castlerea, one of O'Carolan's harps can be found at the 45-room Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the Clan O'Conor, who gave 11 high kings to Ireland and 24 kings to Connacht. Another of O'Carolan's harps, a large sycamore instrument with 35 strings, is on exhibit in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. During his years of itinerant minstrelsy, O'Carolan was said to have composed about 200 pieces of music, although many have been lost.

Join us on a musical journey to shape a portrait of another age, one that displays the joys of life and revelry that marked O'Carolan's day. The Irish simply called it "Luinneach" (merry music). We hope that you'll experience an epiphany from the beauty, color, emotion, gentleness and melodic expression of Turlough O'Carolan's musical compositions. Thank you for your support of this music.

The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan

The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan,Joe Ross & Janet Naylor & Friends,Zephyr Records,Celtic,Celtic New Age,Highly arranged ensemble renderings of the Celtic music of Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan, featuring harp, hammered dulcimer, violin, flute, and a variety of other instruments.,International,New Age

Average customer rating: Wow! What a Treat! The Harper's Reverie-Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan Great playing! Bright, lilting Wonderful!

The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan Joe Ross & Janet Naylor & Friends Manufacturer: Zephyr Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music British Isles | Europe | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | British Isles | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000G3XN Release Date: 1998-11-01

Tracks:

1. O'Carolan's Draught (6:06)
2. Hugh O'Donnell (3:26)
3. George Brabazon (5:48)
4. Hewlett/O'Carolan's Fancy (6:38)
5. O'Carolan's Ramble to Cashel/O'Carolan's Receipt/Quarrel with the Landlady (5:24)
6. O'Carolan's Welcome (3:38)
7. Morgan Magan/Fanny Power (4:26)
8. Lady Gethin/Captain Sudley (4:39)
9. Planxty Irwin/Sheebeg Sheemore (7:39)
10. O'Carolan's Concerto (3:36)
11. Lord Inchiquin (3:16)

Album Description

Turlough O'Carolan, last of the Irish bards, was born in 1670 near Nobber, County Westmeath, but moved with his family to the Roscommon-Leitrim area while very young. His father was employed at an iron foundry operated by the St. George and MacDermott Roe families. Totally blinded in his late teens by smallpox, Turlough O'Carolan was taken in by Mrs. MacDermott Roe at the Alderford house, near Boyle. Here, he studied under a harper for three years. A more creative tale claims that O'Carolan once slept on a fairy rath and forever after heard fairy music to inspire him. "The Harper's Reverie" captures some of O'Carolan's fanciful musings.

At age 21, equipped with a horse, a guide and money, O'Carolan began his career as an itinerant harper although he seldom traveled much beyond the province of Connacht. In the Irish bardic tradition, the harper was popular and held high social status in the "Big Houses," and the tunes composed for his patrons were referred to as "planxties" (musical tributes). Considered as much more than a mere musician or composer, O'Carolan was an honored guest of his patrons and regarded as a sage who articulated eloquence, wit and profundity. And, of course, he kept his patrons informed of the latest gossip collected while traveling the Irish countryside. If, by chance, he encountered a less than hospitable host (as he once did at the house of Jennings of Mayo), O'Carolan might be heard ranting, "Devil take the glass that was meant for a dwarf, and the same for the hand that didn't fill it by half!"

O'Carolan had numerous romantic affections, and some of his compositions were written for his lady loves. Many of his songs addressed to Bridget Cruise, his youthful yet hopeless attachment, have been irretrievably lost.

The influences of Italian composers such as Geminiani and Corelli show in some of O'Carolan's works. The sources for most of the tunes played in this compilation are Edward Bunting's "Ancient Music of Ireland" collections. Bunting transcribed and arranged many of the tunes he heard at the 1792 Belfast Festival of Harpers, a gathering of musicians and musicologists interested in preserving this important heritage. At the Harpers' Festival, Bunting witnessed only one harper still using the old fingernail technique (rather than using the flesh of the finger), and by the 1820s the great school of Irish harp playing had greatly disappeared.

In 1738, O'Carolan died and was buried at the cemetery of the old 6th century O'Duignan Abbey at Kilronan, his grave adjoining the vault of the MacDermotts. In 1990, my wife (also a harpist) and I were fortunate to attend the Turlough O'Carolan Thirteenth International Harp Festival and visited O'Carolan's gravesite. The Festival is held in the picturesque Irish village of Keadue, County Roscommon, at the foot of the Arigna Mountains near the shores of Lough Meelagh in the heart of O'Carolan country.

Near Castlerea, one of O'Carolan's harps can be found at the 45-room Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the Clan O'Conor, who gave 11 high kings to Ireland and 24 kings to Connacht. Another of O'Carolan's harps, a large sycamore instrument with 35 strings, is on exhibit in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. During his years of itinerant minstrelsy, O'Carolan was said to have composed about 200 pieces of music, although many have been lost.

Join us on a musical journey to shape a portrait of another age, one that displays the joys of life and revelry that marked O'Carolan's day. The Irish simply called it "Luinneach" (merry music). We hope that you'll experience an epiphany from the beauty, color, emotion, gentleness and melodic expression of Turlough O'Carolan's musical compositions. Thank you for your support of this music.

Customer Reviews:

Wow! What a Treat!.......2004-10-27

To find a cd strictly devoted to the music of O'Carolan was delightful, but to find one crafted by such skilled musicians was simply wonderful! This is
music that will warm the hearts of any proud Irish-American, and keep the toes tapping. It's a great ode to the great man who composed these stunning pieces!
I can't express how accomplished these musicians are, and how beautiful this music is. This music is so diverse, so timeless! Run, don't walk, and get your credit card and purchase this cd!
You'll be glad you did! Thanks to Joe Et Al for creating this lovely gem of a recording! Slant!

The Harper's Reverie-Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan.......2002-03-07

Cool! (This is very nice music and my aunt says it makes for a GREAT St Patrick's Day gift---for all ages! The music is varied and light,....)I listen to it with her in her car all the time.

miss emily
(as told to her aunt)

Great playing!.......1999-12-18

"Harper's Reverie" is really a fine effort, with great playing and superb as well as fresh arrangements. Possibly one of the best tributes to the music of O'Carolan. Massimo Ferro Radio Voce Spacio 1 "Un Monda di Musica" ("A World of Music") San Michele, Italy

Bright, lilting.......1999-03-20

I would give the CD a 4, a wonderful job...The music and accompaniment are bright, lilting and a lovely representation of O'Carolan's tunes. Yes to positive feedback from listeners.

Wonderful!.......1999-03-20

The CD is wonderful! Very nice morning music especially :

Average customer rating: Wonderful melodies with a dancing lilt and a little frivality Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy An album that is well-suited to cozy winter evenings A well-crafted, well-produced album

Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan Joe Ross & Janet Naylor Manufacturer: The Orchard ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000JLI3 Release Date: 2000-03-22

Tracks:

1. O'Carolan's Draught
2. Hugh O'Donnell
3. George Brabazon
4. Hewlett; O'Carolan's Fancy
5. O'Carolan's Ramble To Cashel'; O'Carolan's Receipt; Quarrell With The Landlady
6. O'Carol's Welcome
7. Morgan Magan; Fanny Power
8. Lady Gethin; Captain Sudley
9. Planxty Irwin; Sheebeg Sheemore
10. O'Carolan's Concerto
11. Lord Inchiquin

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful melodies with a dancing lilt and a little frivality .......2005-12-29

Just utterly fantastic and beautifully woven instrumental music that ebbs and flows like the tides along the rugged coast of Ireland. The harp and hammered dulcimer work so well together for O'Carolan's music, but Ross and Naylor have embellished the music so much more with their musical friends playing a handful of other instruments. I love this music because it is so calming, peaceful, happy and serene. It also has wonderful melodies with a dancing lilt and a little frivality in its step.

Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy.......2002-06-27

Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy -- and nicely arranged pieces. I particularly enjoyed the combination of the hammered dulcimer and harp. It added real spark to the ensemble as it performed the O'Carolan canon. The CD will get plenty of airplay on "Profiles in Folk".
--Stephen Winters, Profiles in Folk, WSHU-FM, Fairfield, CT 06432

Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy.......2000-02-27

Wonderful album, full of spirit and energy -- and nicely arranged pieces. I particularly enjoyed the combination of the hammered dulcimer and harp. It added real spark to the ensemble as it performed the O'Carolan canon. ...

An album that is well-suited to cozy winter evenings.......2000-02-27

The Harper's Reverie is a...fun-loving approach to a traditional musical style. O'Carolan's compositions are pretty and whimsical, making for an album that is well-suited to cozy winter evenings. It is more of a showcase for Naylor than for Ross. She is a talented harpist who lives up to the challenge, and Ross' understated accompaniments suit her well. -Allison Linn, The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, November 20, 1998

A well-crafted, well-produced album.......2000-02-27

The ever-wonderful music of 17th Century harpist and composer, Turlough O'Carolan, is celebrated with gusto in this fine album featuring Janet Naylor and Joe Ross. Friends join in on vibrant arrangements, playing a multitude of instruments. This recording feels alive, capturing the essence of O'Carolan's delicate, yet passionate music. Favorite tunes...sparkle off the hammered dulcimer and waft from the harp strings into a fanciful spray of sound and feeling. I was prepared to hate the synthesizer, but it's used so tastefully that I really didn't notice it. This is a well-crafted, well-produced album that I'm sure would please the old blind harpist. His heart would be full to know his work still touches people three centuries after he ambled through Ireland, as one of her last great bards.
-Marilyn O'Malley, Victory Music Review, Tacoma, Wa.

World Music:

1. Three
2. Una Sera Con Gino Paoli [Import]
3. Utom: Summoning The Spirit - Music In The T'boli Heartland
4. Whee-Ha!
5. Animal [Import]
6. Arrivi E Partenze [Import]
7. Avril [Import]
8. Best Arabian Nights Album in the World...Ever!, Vol. 3 [Import]
9. Best Daze [Import]
10. Brisas

World Music

world music

World Music

Rubber

Zemlinsky: String Quartets No1; String Quartets No4

Voyage en Italie [Box set]

Intimate

Wild Gold V.3 [Import]

With Love and Aloha, Ailani

Zauber Der Panflöte [Import]

Want Two (CD/DVD combo) [Explicit Lyrics]

Welcome to the Future

Vol. 2-Awakening

War of The Surf Guitars

Warne Marsh [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Walk Wit Me (Clean) [Clean]

Double Violin Concerto

Live at Newport 1958 & 1963