Remembering Ireland
Irish Melodies for the Harp
Music by O' Carolan, Colonel John Irwin, Miss Mac Dermott, Baptist Johnson, Lament for Terence Mac Donagh, John O' Connor, Constantine Maguire, Father Brian Mac Dermott Roe, Mrs. Maxwell, Lament for Charles Mac Cabe, Lord Inchiquin, Popular Melodies. The Foggy Dew, Danny Boy, I Will Walk With My Love, Spancill Hill , My Lagan Love, The Wearing of the Green, Down by the Salley Gardens etc
Arranged and played by Miriam KEOGH
Recorded: No information available
URBAN BEAUTY UBWM 101 [43:46]
Available from
Tel/Fax 00 44 208 349 4067, Hurwitz@Waitrose.com,
by post: 44 Church Crescent, Finchley London N3 1BJ England. Price £12 includes postage and packing

 

This is somewhat beyond what I usually review; but, as with any true admirer of Bax and Moeran, I have always been much interested in all things Celtic. So, I welcomed the opportunity to review the present collection of a number of traditional Irish tunes expertly arranged by Miriam Keogh and of some harp miniatures by Carolan. Indeed, many well-known tunes are to be found here: The Foggy Dew, Danny Boy (also known as Londonderry Air), Brian Boru’s March and My lagan love, to name but a few that are very familiar. However, the bulk of this programme consists of miniatures by Carolan who often amused himself (and his audience, I suspect) in portraying his friends or patrons. Two of his pieces here are deeply moving laments, for Terence MacDonaugh and Charles MacCabe, whoever they may have been. Carolan apparently was quite acquainted with the former whereas the latter was one of his frequent companions and drinking partners.

There is not much more to say. Suffice it to say that Miriam Keogh plays beautifully throughout this delightful and enjoyable collection. The recording is very natural and clean. The playing time, though, is a bit on the short side. Nevertheless, if such programme appeals to you, you need not hesitate to get this disc, simply for pleasure’s sake.

Hubert Culot

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