Turlough O'Carolan - One Of The Great Irish Harpists

Turlough O'Carolan was born in 1670 in West Meath. When he was eighteen, he was struck down by small pox – then a usually fatal disease. Fortunately, he recovered, although left blind.

As is often the case with the loss of one sense, his hearing became more finely attuned to music and he found a mentor in a local noble woman, called Mary Fitzgerald Mc Dermott Rowe, who arranged for him to learn the harp.

Starting so late proved to a disadvantage and a local Squire Reynold, suggested he try his hand at composition.

So began a string of beautiful compositions and melodies with the most famous forming the basis for the American national anthem "Stars and Stripes".

O'Carolan, despite being blind, actually earnt his living as one of the best travelling musicians of his time. He would travel Ireland on horseback, with a guide, and they would call at any likely looking large house.

As his fame spread, the residents only needed to see the harp for him to be made very welcome. He would then entertain the residents all evening with songs and stories, in exchange for board and lodging for himself, his guide and their horses.

300 years on, his music is loved by many and a ten day O'Carolan Festival is held every year, commencing on August bank Holiday in Keadue, County Roscommon

Double click the button on the left to hear one of O'Carolan's compositions for the harp – Fanny Power.

If you have a dial up internet connection, this short streaming video is best viewed on the Morzilla Firefox browser, which is available as a free download and highly recommended for viewing streaming video on dial up.

© 2007  Joseph Donegal  and The-Best-Of-Ireland.com