| The
Complete Carolan Songs & Airs (4
CD Edition) arranged for the Irish Harp Caitríona Rowsome |
 This
remarkable book is a valuable resource for those wishing to play
and sing the music of this extraordinary 18th-century blind harper.
This comprehensive collection gives a unique perspective to the
music of the great Irish harper-composer, Turlough Carolan (1670-1738).
Caitríona Rowsome has combined Carolan’s surviving
airs with sensitive and appropriate harp settings, metrically
matching them with Carolan’s surviving lyrics for the airs.
Many of the airs are not commonly known as songs, and some include
lyrics published here for the first time. For each of Carolan’s
Irish songs, an English interpretation is also provided. These
are in the form of translations, paraphrases and, in some cases,
English songs that give a context to – and a broader understanding
of – Carolan’s Irish verse. Particularly fascinating
and enlightening are her translations of the Irish lyrics and
poems, which give us an insight into Carolan's love for life,
extraordinary range of friends and his deep affection for them,
both male and female.
Caitríona Rowsome, an accomplished harpist herself, has arranged all 226 airs for the Irish harp and has included a detailed explanation of the background of each and about the patron or friend for whom Carolan composed the music. The arrangements vary from simple to complex and will suit a range of skill levels. Historical notes are also provided, as well as an appendix and notes on ornamentation. All 226 airs are included on 4 CDs and
are played on a Salvi harp by Caitriona Rowsome. ‘A must-have for all Carolan
enthusiasts.’ ‘These new harp arrangements
and song settings will encourage contemporary Irish harpers
to explore afresh this still-beguiling music of three hundred
years ago.’ Buy this music now £37.99 +p&p |
| Profile page for Caitríona Rowsome |
TUNES FOR PATRONS 1 Lady Athenry |
78
Henry MacDermott Roe — First Air |
155
Fanny Power TUNES WITHOUT TITLES MISCELLANEOUS TUNES LAMENTS |
| * Attributions marked
with an asterisk, while like Carolan’s style of composing
and, in certain cases, found ascribed and credited to Carolan in extant manuscripts or printed sources, in the absence of conclusive evidence, may or may nor be by Carolan. |
||
FOREWORD
by Sheila Larchet Cuthbert
This remarkable book The Complete Carolan Songs & Airs arranged for the Irish Harp is a valuable new resource for those wishing to play and sing the music of this extraordinary blind harper who lived in the 18th century and left to us, as the author states, ‘his legacy of creative genius in composition'.
Caitriona, a harpist herself, has arranged all 226 airs for the Irish harp and with each a detailed explanation about the patron or friend for whom Carolan composed the music. Particularly fascinating and enlightening is her translation into English of Carolan’s Irish words, which give us an insight into his love for conviviality, good company and the presence of friends, both men and women.
In offering sincerest congratulations to Caitriona Rowsome on a truly great achievement, I wish this book every success for the author and the publisher, Waltons Music Ltd.
Caitriona refers many times to the late Doctor Donal O’Sullivan who always spoke of ‘this noble instrument’ and whose years of dedicated research made the music of Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin available to us all. It seems appropriate therefore, to leave the penultimate words to Donal O’Sullivan in a quotation from his definitive edition — CAROLAN, The Life Times and Music of an Irish Harper, Volume One:
‘He made many a noble sing in praise of fair women and gallant men, now long dead, whose names still live in the grace and charm of these melodies.'
Míle Buíochas, Caitríona.
All 226 tunes in the book have been recorded on 4 CDs by Caitríona Rowsome and the CDs are included with the book
The three sample clips above are from CD One
| Title: | The
Complete Carolan Songs & Airs (CD Edition) arranged for the Irish Harp |
| Contents: | 226 Songs & Airs - See panel above for listings |
| Study Recording: | 226
Songs & Airs - recorded on 4 CDs accaompanies the book Performed by Caitríona Rowsome |
| Arranged by: | Caitríona Rowsome |
| Instrumentation: | Irish Harp (Lever Harp) |
| Level: | Varied |
| Format: | Bound |
| Weight: | 1200gm |
| ISBN: | 978-1-85720-218-2 |
| Our Ref: | UM0927 |
| Publisher: | Waltons Music Ltd |
| Edition/Year: | 2011 |
| Origin: | Ireland |