Turlough O'Carolan

Irish Harpist and Composer

Turlough O'Carolan, born in 1670, was a blind Celtic harpist, composer, and singer whose work is considered a cornerstone of traditional Irish music. Although he did not produce albums himself, as he lived in the 17th and 18th centuries before the advent of recorded music, his compositions have been posthumously featured in numerous collections of Irish music. O'Carolan was known for his unique blend of Irish folk music with the Italian baroque style that was popular during his lifetime. He traveled widely throughout Ireland, gaining patronage from various wealthy families and composing over 200 pieces, many of which were dedicated to his patrons. These compositions included planxties, airs, and laments. His music has been kept alive through oral tradition and was eventually transcribed so that it could be shared more widely. Today, Turlough O'Carolan is revered as a national treasure in Ireland, and his music continues to be performed and recorded by a variety of artists around the world.