The first biography of Turlough Carolan published in nearly half a century is now available. The book, published by Noble Stone Press, and written by Art Edelstein includes a 21 track Compact Disc of Carolan music by author/musician Art Edelstein and multi-instrumentalist Tim Newcomb. Instruments include guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, violin, viola and Swedish Nyckelharpa.
Carolan An Important Figure in Irish Musical History
Turlough Carolan (1670-1738) became Ireland's most famous harper. In his music one hears a variety of styles-- from early modal Celtic melodies, to Airs, to early modern dance music to neo-classical Italian-influenced Baroque melody. While he wrote lyrics to some of his music, his work is remembered exclusively because he was a much stronger composer than he was a lyricist. Carolan composed his music on the traditional Irish harp at a time when that instrument was beginning to decline in popularity. The long sustain of the brass strings on that instrument produces a sound very different from that heard on the modern nylon or gut strung harp. We suspect the sparse harmonies he wrote were a result of his harp's particular sound. Today, Carolan's music is very popular and is played by musicians both Irish and otherwise on a variety of instruments.
What the Press and Readers are saying about Fair Melodies:
"Edelstein's quest to "meet" Carolan,...has culminated in a well-written, diligently researched, and illuminating book...Edelstein has accomplished that goal...he has captured the harsh political, social, and cultural realities for Catholic Ireland during the Protestant Acendancy, the period in which itinerant musicians like Carolan kept alive flickering musical images of the once-great Catholic lords." Peter F. Stevens in The Boston Irish Reporter February 2002 (page 32).
"...it will be useful for those who are coming to the Irish tradition and history from other musics and cultures." Irish Music Magazine.
"..the book contains so much that is new and different, as well as containing critical insights that are a pleasure to contemplate and admire...Your CD is a delight. I relish the familiar favorites, of course, but the real prizes are the previously unrecorded melodies..." Caleb Crowell Irish scholar.
"...Edelstein makes the story of Carolan's life accessible, repeating those things that are known with some certainty in a straightforward manner." from Green Man Review
In part that writer wrote: "However, where O'Sullivan presents exhaustive evidence for each point of fact, Edelstein makes the story of Carolan's life accessible, repeating those things that are known with some certainty in a straightforward manner."
"Edelstein's book is also clearly aimed at an audience with less familiarity with the history of the time. Where O'Sullivan assumes the reader is familiar with important dates, Edelstein spells them out."
The exhaustive discography clearly references people who seriously listen to folk music, and his own CD, mostly bouzouki and guitar, makes it clear why these sweet melodies and lulling passages are still beloved three and a half centuries after Carolan's passing. I genuinely liked the arrangements, which are simple and true, but also soothing to listen to -- and I mean that in the best sense of the word -- beguiling, comforting and memorable. Edelstein has done justice to these tunes, without usurping the more artistic interpretations and flights of fancy to be found in the music he catalogues. Edelstein makes Carolan both accessible and interesting; his book is clearly written, and simple enough that it would be suitable for an aspiring harpist entering secondary school."
This book is intelligent, complex but not daunting, and a pleasure to read. Times Argus Barre-Montpelier VT
The book comes with a 21-Track CD recorded by the author and multi-instrumentalist Tim Newcomb
Carolan An Important Figure in Irish Musical History
Turlough Carolan (1670-1738) became Ireland's most famous harper. In his music one hears a variety of styles-- from early modal Celtic melodies, to Airs, to early modern dance music to neo-classical Italian-influenced Baroque melody. While he wrote lyrics to some of his music, his work is remembered exclusively because he was a much stronger composer than he was a lyricist. Carolan composed his music on the traditional Irish harp at a time when that instrument was beginning to decline in popularity. The long sustain of the brass strings on that instrument produces a sound very different from that heard on the modern nylon or gut strung harp. We suspect the sparse harmonies he wrote were a result of his harp's particular sound. Today, Carolan's music is very popular and is played by musicians both Irish and otherwise on a variety of instruments.
What the Press and Readers are saying about Fair Melodies:
"Edelstein's quest to "meet" Carolan,...has culminated in a well-written, diligently researched, and illuminating book...Edelstein has accomplished that goal...he has captured the harsh political, social, and cultural realities for Catholic Ireland during the Protestant Acendancy, the period in which itinerant musicians like Carolan kept alive flickering musical images of the once-great Catholic lords." Peter F. Stevens in The Boston Irish Reporter February 2002 (page 32).
"...it will be useful for those who are coming to the Irish tradition and history from other musics and cultures." Irish Music Magazine.
"..the book contains so much that is new and different, as well as containing critical insights that are a pleasure to contemplate and admire...Your CD is a delight. I relish the familiar favorites, of course, but the real prizes are the previously unrecorded melodies..." Caleb Crowell Irish scholar.
"...Edelstein makes the story of Carolan's life accessible, repeating those things that are known with some certainty in a straightforward manner." from Green Man Review
In part that writer wrote: "However, where O'Sullivan presents exhaustive evidence for each point of fact, Edelstein makes the story of Carolan's life accessible, repeating those things that are known with some certainty in a straightforward manner."
"Edelstein's book is also clearly aimed at an audience with less familiarity with the history of the time. Where O'Sullivan assumes the reader is familiar with important dates, Edelstein spells them out."
The exhaustive discography clearly references people who seriously listen to folk music, and his own CD, mostly bouzouki and guitar, makes it clear why these sweet melodies and lulling passages are still beloved three and a half centuries after Carolan's passing. I genuinely liked the arrangements, which are simple and true, but also soothing to listen to -- and I mean that in the best sense of the word -- beguiling, comforting and memorable. Edelstein has done justice to these tunes, without usurping the more artistic interpretations and flights of fancy to be found in the music he catalogues. Edelstein makes Carolan both accessible and interesting; his book is clearly written, and simple enough that it would be suitable for an aspiring harpist entering secondary school."
This book is intelligent, complex but not daunting, and a pleasure to read. Times Argus Barre-Montpelier VT
The book comes with a 21-Track CD recorded by the author and multi-instrumentalist Tim Newcomb
- Sheebeg and Sheemore
- Conor O'Reilly
- Beauty in Tears
- George Brabazon 2nd Air
- Edward Dodwell
- Bridget Cruise 3rd Air
- Lady Gethin
- Richard Cusack
- Carolan's Draught
- John Jameson
- Lord Inchiquin
- Fanny Power
- Hugh Kelly
- Eleanor Plunkett
- John Irwin
- Abigail Judge
- Separation of Body and Soul
- Patrick Kelly
- Peggy Morton
- The Seas are Deep
- Carolan's Farewell to Music
To Order Fair Melodies:
Sorry, I can only take cash, money orders or checks.
To order your copy please send $21.00 US cash or US or money order or postal order (foreign) or check (if a US bank) AND (postage and handling) see chart:
Sorry, I can only take cash, money orders or checks.
To order your copy please send $21.00 US cash or US or money order or postal order (foreign) or check (if a US bank) AND (postage and handling) see chart:
- United States Book Rate $5.00
- United States Priority Rate $6.40
- Canada Air Letter Post $6.00 (a week)
- Great Britain, Irish Republic, France, Germany, EU countries in Europe. Air Mail $12
- Australia Air Mail $12.
- Asia same as Australia
***US Order Please specify mail type*** - Art Edelstein
Noble Stone Press
771 Bayne Road
East Calais VT 05650
(for US and Canada please allow 3-4 weeks for shipping)