Lord Inchiquin by Turlough O'Carolan (Fiddle Version)

Instrumental music needs no translator; it carries inspired thoughts across time and space from one musician to another. This tune, composed for a wealthy patron by a blind harpist in 17th century Ireland, was played, enjoyed, and recorded three hundred years later in the Aussie bush! May it also inspire many listeners. Over two hundred of O'Carolan's works survive today in single line melody, but without any instructions on harmonies or arrangements. This tune was penned as a slow 'air' in 3/4 time, but our version takes it at a more lively clip, the tune lends itself to some very enjoyable improvisation. Geordie McKernan - Fiddle Nancy McKernan - Irish Whistle Johann Bazeley - Guitar Why 'The Rainy Sunday Session?': About 15 years ago on a soaking wet weekend at Danthonia, my parents, two brothers, and my future brother-in-law, took shelter in a leaky trailer with some acoustic instruments and a portable audio recorder. They spent their Sunday afternoon making music together. Geordie was playing on his great-grandfather's fiddle, a beloved old instrument that sounded best when high humidity swelled the cracks together. Murray and Johann traded off playing our 'home-made' (from a Martin kit) guitar and a double bass. My mom Nancy pulled out her Irish whistle for several of the tunes, while my dad kept himself busy suggesting titles and pushing down the record button. These fiddle tunes spring from Appalachian, Cajun, and Celtic roots, including several 17th century Irish compositions from the blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan. May they lift your spirits, as they did ours, on that ‘Rainy Sunday’. We will be posting them here over the next few weeks. If you want to not miss any, you know what to do!