Echoes of Carolan, Vol.1 -Carolan's Concerto-

Keisuke Teramoto Harper "Echoes of Carolan, Vol.1 -Carolan's Concerto-"
An Album of Works by Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738), a Celebrated Irish Composer Active About 300 Years Ago

At the age of 18, Turlough O'Carolan lost his sight after contracting smallpox. He then learned to play the wire-strung Irish harp and began his journey as a traveling musician. He composed numerous masterpieces: wedding tunes for noble families across Ireland, cheerful drinking songs, heart-rending laments, and love songs dedicated to his first love, Bridget Cruise. His legacy has been passed down through generations by harpers, pipers, singers, fiddlers, and more.

After his death, Carolan came to be regarded as Ireland's national composer, often compared to Handel in Britain. His portrait once appeared on the Irish pound banknote, and even a crater on Mercury bears his name. Though he endured great hardship in his youth -from losing his sight to living through the Penal Laws following Ireland's defeat- much of Carolan's music remains uplifting and full of life.

Carolan is known for blending the older harp music composed by figures like Rory Dall O'Cathain and the Connellan brothers (Thomas and William), with Irish folk melodies and the lively style of Italian Baroque composers such as Vivaldi and Corelli. His works, though incredibly diverse in character, always retain a signature "Carolan" touch. The resonance of his harp continues to cross time and seas, now echoing in modern-day Japan.

This album features nine unique harps of various sizes - all designed and handcrafted by the performer - centered around the wire-strung Irish harp that Carolan himself once played. Enjoy the distinct tone colors created by different woods and arrangements.

Tracklist

Carolan's Concerto (op. 347, 317)

Baptist Johnston (op. 347, 311, 151)

Captain Higgins (op. 345)

Eleanor Plunkett (op. 311, 317, 345)

Loftus Jones (op. 65)

James Crofton (op. 65)

Mrs. Crofton (op. 65)

The Fairy Queen (op. 65)

Lament for Squire Wood (op. 347)

Hewlett (op. 347, 311, 341, 344)

Bridget Cruise No. 4 (op. 322)

Charles O'Conor (op. 345)

John Hart (op. 322)

O'Hara's Cup (op. 347)

Fanny Power (op. 311, 345, 347)

Harps Used

Yellow Poplar wire-strung harp (op. 65, 27 strings, G2-E6)

Paulownia carbon-strung harp (op. 151, 20 strings, G4-E7)

Cypress wire-strung harp "Dragon Harp" (op. 311, 20 strings, G3-E6)

Cypress wire-strung harp "Shamrock" (op. 317, 20 strings, G3-E6)

Cypress wire-strung harp (op. 322, 27 strings, G2-E6)

Magnolia/Katsura carbon-strung harp (op. 341, 13 strings, G5-E7)

Magnolia/Cypress wire-strung harp (op. 344, 13 strings, F2-D4)

Yellow Poplar wire-strung harp (op. 345, 20 strings, G3-E6)

Maple wire-strung harp "Cinnamon" (op. 347, 27 strings, G2-E6)

Instrument Design, Construction, Arrangement, Performance, and Commentary:
Keisuke Teramoto