The Brilliance of Turlough O'Carolan: Top Tunes To Listen

Turlough O'Carolan's music stands out in the genre of Irish baroque, and we have selected some of his most acclaimed pieces. This collection showcases his skill as a composer and musician. Whether you're familiar with Celtic music or new to the genre, this list brings you closer to O'Carolan's contributions and is likely to enhance your appreciation of his artistry.

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Here we present Turlough O'Carolan's gems: the lively "Captain O’Kane," harmonious "Planxty Irwin," touching "Carolan’s Farewell to Music," enchanting "Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór," dynamic "Carolan's Concerto," and beautiful "Lady Athenry" and "Fanny Power." We also spotlight "George Reynolds."

The list we've started is only a preview — there's more to follow. In the next sections, we break down each celebrated tune, offer commentary, and include selected videos for a fuller experience. Continue reading as we examine the artistry behind O'Carolan's music.

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A Glimpse into the Life of Turlough O'Carolan

Turlough O'Carolan was much more than just a harper — he was a travelling bard whose creative spirit redefined the meaning of music in his era. Stricken by blindness at a young age, O'Carolan didn't restrict himself to conventional paths. Instead, he embarked on an extraordinary journey across Ireland, composing tuneful ballads and songs that sang praises of his patrons.

Over two centuries later, O'Carolan's legacy persists through more than 200 melodious tunes. These compositions embody a fusion of influences, merging the old-world aura of Gaelic harp sonatas – integral to Ireland's sonic legacy – with the rhythmic allure of folk tunes, and the refined elegance of Italian baroque, treasured by his benefactors.

While O'Carolan might not be considered a 'composer' in the way we define the term today, many see him as Ireland's national composer due to his considerable influence on the country's musical tradition. The old Irish harping legacy, appreciated by musicians such as Arthur O'Neill, Patrick Quin, and Donnchadh Ó hÁmsaigh, is reflected in some of Carolan's works. While several of his compositions show the clear influence of European classical music, others, like "Farewell to Music," pay homage to the Gaelic harping tradition's lasting appeal.

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For a more thorough introduction to Turlough O'Carolan, this well-researched book by Donal O'Sullivan titied, "Carolan: The Life Times and Music of an Irish Harper" is a great resource. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZH0hNP

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Here are some of Turlough O'Carolan's best compositions:

Captain O’Kane

Within the repertoire of blind Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan, "Captain O’Kane" forms a remarkable sonnet of sound. Created as an homage to the lively Captain O'Kane (O'Cahan), a notable figure from County Antrim, this composition is as dynamic and spirited as the man it represents. Publically acclaimed as "Slasher O’Kane", his adventurous persona is harmoniously echoed by Carolan's fine-tuned melody, enriching us with a musically narrated chronicle of Irish history.

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Check out the album "Celtic Dreams - Music of Turlough O'Carolan (1670 - 1738)" on the Hammered Dulcemer. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zNaeP7

Planxty Irwin

Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan left a rich legacy, including the notable "Planxty Irwin." Composed for Colonel John Irwin of Tanrego House in County Sligo, the piece has deep connections to the year 1713 - the year of Irwin's return from wars overseas. Intertwining snippets of Irwin's notable achievements in Flanders, O'Carolan's tune outlives its time. "Planxty Irwin" stands as a timeless tribute to an extraordinary individual, illustrating the power of music in telling life's many tales.

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Carolan’s Farewell to Music

Carolan's Farewell to Music" holds a special place in history as the last composition by the renowned Irish harper, Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738). Knowing his time was limited, Carolan returned to Alderford, home of his cherished friend, Mrs. MacDermott Roe. As he lovingly shared his knowledge of his impending death, he called for his beloved harp to play one final masterpiece. This heart-stirring piece echoes the depths of loss and love felt for Carolan, as it marked the end of an unforgettable musical journey.

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Check out the album "Celtic Harp, Vol. I: The Music of Turlough O'Carolan". By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ehH0XG

Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór

"Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór", translating to 'Small Fairy Mound, Big Fairy Mound', is a waltz from the enchanted heart of Ireland. It carries the distinction of being celebrated harpist Turlough O'Carolan's inaugural composition. This charming tune, often performed leisurely, whispers tales from yesteryears about the duelling queens of Sí Mór and Sí Beag - two hills in County Leitrim. Legend has it, these hills were formerly battling titans, transformed by a sorcerer in O'Carolan's birth county, Meath. The enduring melody of "Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór" exemplifies O'Carolan's magical touch, weaving folklore seamlessly within music.

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Check out the album "Turlough O'Carolan's Welcome to Music" by Ton Stringer. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eokGMi

Carolan's Concerto

Renowned for its exuberant melodies, "Carolan's Concerto" stands prominent among the masterpieces of Turlough O'Carolan, the blind Irish harper. Legend whispers that this tune was the winning answer to Francesco Geminiani's dare to create the most peerless piece swiftly. The stirring air silently narrates the tale of Elizabeth Keating, fondly remembered as Mrs. Power of Coorheen in County Galway. Rarely known by "Mrs. Power", it represents her life's vibrant chapters, elegantly harmonized. Love for Mrs. Power further resonates in other compositions by O'Carolan, notably in the tune dedicated to her daughter, Fanny Power.

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Check out the album "The Last Irish Bard ~ Turlough O'Carolan" by Sakaue Masumi. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47MV9tK

Lady Athenry

"Lady Athenry" serves as a serene homage composed by Turlough O'Carolan for Lady Mary Nugent, who later became Lady Athenry. This slow air resonates with the harmonic influences of Corelli and Italian composers, making it distinct amid O'Carolan's oeuvre. An intimate bond ran between O'Carolan and Lady Mary, with frequent visits marking their relationship. Her story, interweaved with the history of Berminghams—a lineage tracing back to the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1170—adds an enchanting layer to the composition. "Lady Athenry" remains a melody celebrating nobility, history, and the timeless bond of music and friendship.

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Check out the album "Turlough O'Carolan: Irish Folk & Baroque" by the California Carolan Consort. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dmQQpZ

Fanny Power

The tune "Fanny Power" is a heartwarming tribute by the gifted Turlough O'Carolan to Miss Elizabeth Power, also known as Frances. As the heiress of David Power of County Galway, her noteworthy life was immortalized in this composition crafted in 1728. Her father's residence, idyllically situated by Lough Riadh, led O'Carolan to dub her "the Swan of the Shore". Carrying echoes of familial ties and cherished moments between O'Carolan and the Powers, "Fanny Power" remains a uniquely captivating medley that reflects the beauty of relationships embodied in harmonic expressions.

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Check out the album "The Art of Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738)" by J.J. Sheridan. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gWlcTt

George Reynolds

Turlough O'Carolan's extraordinary journey as a composer found its origin in the mansion of George Reynolds, his first patron, nestled near Lough Scur in County Leitrim. This early composition was crafted in 1693, when O'Carolan, a blind harper, was just 23. Reynolds, a poet, shared the tale of two neighboring fairy hills and the great battle fought there, inspiring compositions like "Sheebeg Sheemore" and "Fairy Queen (1)". His urging kindled the composer within O'Carolan. "George Reynolds" carries this lasting legacy as the tune bridges temporal realms, celebrating the encouraging spirit that propelled O'Carolan into his illustrious musical journey.

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Check out the album "The Harper's Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O'Carolan" by Joe Ross. By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XLKsD7

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Final Thoughts

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Turlough O'Carolan's mesmerizing compositions, steeped in rich Irish history and lore, fundamentally altered the harmonic tapestry of his era. His musical narrative encompassed both the life-stories of his contemporaries as well as the ancient Irish myths, bringing them to life through his enchanting melodies. From the brave Captain O’Kane to the noble Lady Athenry and the inspiring George Reynolds, each tune carried a snippet of life, vividly painted on the canvas of sound.

Every piece presented in this article weaves its own unique tale, depicting the depth and diversity of O'Carolan's skill. They echo an incredible journey that navigated through personal setbacks, shifting cultural landscapes, and intimate encounters with the vibrant Irish society of the time. O'Carolan's profound influence as a composer continues to reverberate in the halls of Irish and global music history, speaking volumes about his remarkable talent and his unbreakable resilience.

In the tunes of Captain O’Kane, Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór, or the moving strains of Carolan’s Farewell to Music, we find a testament to the blind bard's determination and creative genius. Whether you're journeying through the spirited rhythm of Planxty Irwin or the melodious charm of Fanny Power, O'Carolan's timeless works offer a deeply immersive musical experience. To appreciate O'Carolan's music is to embrace a slice of Ireland's cultural heritage, resonating with the passion and power of an extraordinary harper whose legacy continues to captivate and inspire.

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For a more thorough introduction to Celtic music, the NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Celtic Music furnishes an A-to-Z glossary of musical terminology, lists of essential CDs, a history of the art form and its profound influence on modern music, and profiles of notable musicians. Find out more through this link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpW5rL