40 O’Carolan Tunes

Arranged for beginning and advanced harpers, this book contains 40 of the best tunes by O’Carolan, the most famous of the Irish harpers and composers who lived from 1670-1738. 

“This is the second book in the SYLVIA WOODS MULTI-LEVEL HARP BOOK SERIES: books designed to be used by harpers and harpists of all levels of proficiency.  Each tune has two arrangements: an easy version (A), and one that is more difficult (B).  Also, each version contains chord indications that can be used by harpers or other instrumentalists.

Harpers and harpist can use this book many ways, depending on their purposes and abilities.  Here are a few suggestions.

1. A beginning player can play the melody alone, or with chords, or the complete easier arrangement.
2. More advanced players can play the easier arrangement, filling it out with more chords in the right or left hand, or play the second arrangement.
3. The easy arrangement can be played first, and then the harder arrangement, making a varied set.
4. The two arrangements can be played as a duet.
5. Additional instruments can be added to either arrangement, playing either the chords or the melody.

Turlough O’Carolan (1670–1738) is the best known of the ancient Irish harpers.  Although he was blind, he traveled all around Ireland, composing music and playing his harp.  The majority of his tunes were written for specific people: patrons and gentry he met on his travels.  About 200 of his tunes still exist, and many are favorites of Irish musicians of all instruments and nationalities.  I hope you enjoy playing these wonderful pieces!” S. Woods 

Download a sample of “Lady Athenry”