Turlough O'Carolan (1670 - 1738)
He was the son of a farmer in County Meath, Ireland and might even have become a farmer himself, if not at the age of 18 he lost his eyesight. Many Irish harpers were blind, and therefore his father's employer gave him three years of harp lessons, an instrument, a helper and a horse. And so, at age 21, his life begun as a traveling harpist. His first host encouraged him to start composing - luckily for him, because he became famous as a composer, not so much as a harpist. He composed while traveling. Upon arrival at his next host, the composition was ready to play. Unlike usual, he first made the melody, and added the words later. Almost all the songs are named after his hosts and friends. They are like musical portraits. In his music, the old Gaelic harp tradition combines with the new world of Italian baroque music. Thus he developed his own style full of lightness and joy.

Titles:

Bridget Cruise, Fanny Power, Planxty John Irwin, Mrs. Abigail Judge,  Eleanor Plunkett, Planxty Kelly, Captaine O'Kane, Squire Woods Lamentation, Carolan's Dream, Sir Arthur Shaen, Princess Royal. 16 pages.