Laois pianist and composer David Vesey from Abbeyleix has recently released his debut album “Carolan Reflections”, a re imagining of the timeless works of Turlough O’Carolan.
The album, written, performed, and arranged by Vesey, offers a fresh perspective on the music of one of Ireland’s national harpists and composers, blending classical piano with traditional Irish influences.
Turlough O’Carolan, celebrated as Ireland’s most famous composer of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, holds a special place in David’s musical Journey.
From childhood, David was immersed in O’Carolan’s music, first learning the pieces on the tin whistle under the guidance of his primary school teacher John O’Brien.
His involvement with Spink Comhaltas, where Paula Dowling McDonald further introduced him to O’Carolan’s works, deepened this connection.
These formative experiences have culminated in Carolan Reflections, an album that both honours and innovates on O’Carolan’s compositions.
The project began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that David used for reflection and creation.
He said: “Like many people, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands during the pandemic.
“It was a time to reflect, and I had a desire to create something new from this situation.
“I composed five initial arrangements of O’Carolan’s work during that time.
“This album is the result of these reflections.”
The pandemic also coincided with the 350th anniversary of O’Carolan’s birth in 2020.
For Vesey, this album is not only a tribute to the past but also an exploriation of O’Carolan’s unique place at the crossroads between traditional Irish music and the European baroque tradition.
“O’Carolan was alive at the time of composers like Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach,” Vesey notes.
“His music bridges the gap between the Irish traditional and classical worlds.
“The harp, O’Carolan’s chosen instrument, shares many similarities with the piano, and through the piano, I aim to continue a tradition started by figures like Seán Ó Riada and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, who brought O’Carolan’s music into new realms.”
Known for their captivating beauty and emotional depth, O’Carolan’s compositions remain instantly recognisable to traditional musicians and beyond.
Vesey’s arrangements offer listeners an intimate encounter with these melodies, infusing them with a fresh energy while maintaining their timeless essence.
“I feel privileged to share my arrangements of O’Carolan’s music,” Vesey reflects.
“These reflections are personal in nature, representing my relationship with O’Carolan as a composer and also broader reflections on Irish identity.
“I hope these arrangements will bring O’Carolan’s music to new audiences and continue his legacy in a modern context.”
Carolan Reflections is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering a unique blend of classical piano and traditional Irish music that will resonate with listeners both in Ireland and beyond.
For more information, visit www.davidvesey.com
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