Turlough O'Carolan

print of Turlough O'Carolan, or Carolan, (Toirdhealbhach Cearbhallain), blind Irish harper, or harpist, with Irish or Celtic harp = Clairseach. Born 1670 near Nobber, County Meath and died March 25, 1738 at the home of his patron Mrs. MacDermott Roe in Alderford, County Roscommon. He was one of the last Irish harpers who composed and a significant number of his works survive in single line melody. His works bridge the three musical traditions in Ireland: art music, folk music and the harper tradition which served as a bridge between art and folk music, the primary conduit for the oral tradition. Carolan created a unique style by further adding elements from then-contemporary composers, including Vivaldi and Corelli. He greatly admired Geminiani, whom he probably met in Dublin. The Compete Works collected by Nancy Calthorpe and recently, Grainne Yeats.