#043: Three Irish Composers You Should Know (But Probably Don’t)

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, a day which is important to many of us, not just because we’re Irish (my last name is Sullivan, after all)  or maybe just Irish for a day. As harpists many of us raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate the amazing legacy of the Irish harpers and to the modern day harpers who continue this rich tradition.

On today’s show we will pay tribute to another facet of Irish music with a tradition just as rich and as beautiful. I will share music by three influential Irish composers, not composers of traditional music but composers more linked to classical music: one who found his fame and fortune in the court of Queen Elizabeth the I of England, one who invented a musical form that became a staple of classical music composers, and one who is considered responsible for the resurgence in the 1960’s of the popularity of Irish traditional music. Three very different composers, all linked by a common heritage, a heritage I am proud to share. 

Links to things I think you might be interested in that were mentioned in the podcast episode: 

• John Field Nocturne free sheet music
• For an unusual look at a link between classical music and sports: Classical Music and the NFL blog post
• Harpmastery.com

Get involved in the show! Send your questions for future podcast episodes to me at [email protected]