An Ardú - The Elevation


Elevation at a mass rock in penal times

When we consider the circumstances of Carolan's life, the social success that he enjoyed among the Protestant gentry and the material profit that would doubtless have accrued to him from a change of religion, it says much for his strength of character that he lived and died a fervent Catholic.

This piece is the only religious music of his to survive. Walker states (pg. 317) that he frequently assisted with his voice and his harp at the elevation of the host and has composed several pieces of Church music, which are deemed excellent.

Charles O'Conor, Carolan's student, writes ' On Easter Day I heard him play at Mass He called the piece "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and sang the hymn in Irish verses as he played. At the Lord's prayer he stopped; and after the priest ended it he sang again and played a piece which he denominated "The Resurrection". His enthusiasm of devotion affected the whole congregation. ... O'Sullivan vol. 1 pg. 82.

Song Notations

Song Notations

Notations are courtesy of Carolan, the Life and Times of an Irish Harper by Dónal O'Sullivan p. Celtic Music Edition 1983.

Replay background music: Elevation
Courtesy of Vivian and Jack Hennessey, IrishPage.com, 2024.

Filleadh go liosta
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