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Carolan’s Concerto is possibly the best piece of music ever composed for harp.  No kidding!  It’s definitely top 5.

Turlough O’Carolan is Ireland’s most well-known harper and the Concerto is his most famous tune.  Even though it was written around the start of the 18th century it is still very, very popular in Ireland today, where it is considered an iconic harp tune and almost an anthem for the Irish harp.  Although firmly rooted in the traditional Irish music genre, Carolan’s Concerto crosses over a little bit into the classical style, which is how it earned its name.  When you listen to it you can’t help but notice that it has a very classical feel but of course, it isn’t really a concerto in the classical sense.  It is a beautiful Irish tune inspired by the Italian music that was so popular at the time.   It fits in well with any kind of wedding, whether you are having a Celtic inspired ceremony, a traditional white wedding or…. anything else!

There is a lovely little legend that tells us the story of how Carolan’s Concerto came to be written.  According to the story…

Once upon a time, O’Carolan was visiting at the house of a Dublin nobleman, who was also hosting an accomplished Italian violinist – probably to be Geminiani.  During his stay, Carolan was disappointed not to be the sole focus of everybody’s attention (hey, he was a musician!) so he challenged the Italian to a trial of skill to prove who was better.

A musicians duel.

The Italian went first and played one of Vivaldi’s concerto on his violin.  It was a famous pieces in Europe but Carolan never left Ireland so he wouldn’t have heard it before but after hearing it only once, Carolan repeated it back to him on his harp note for note.  Then, to show off even more, he composed and performed a new melody inspired by the Italian style and challenged the violinist to play it back to him.

Of course he couldn’t and so Carolan won the musician’s duel, as well as the praise and admiration of everyone.  Forever after the tune he composed there has been known as Carolan’s Concerto.

This lively tune is so versatile and well-suited almost anywhere in almost any wedding.  It is a fantastic arrival but also makes a very joyful exit.  Purely because we love it so much, we have recorded it in three lengths to fit wherever you want to play it.