Wednesday 14 October 2020
Louise Mulcahy
It offers a deep insight into Liam O’Flynn as a musician, professional, colleague, friend and human being.
Leo [Rowsome] was that sort of unique genius whose influence has entered into the lives of uilleann pipes in particular and (trad) music fans in general. He has made an indelible mark on Irish Music and upon the uilleann pipes in particular.
Hearing Willie Clancy for the first time - it gave me feelings I had never experienced before.. and I think I then realised that music is not something you listen but is something you experience!! Feelings that stir the soul!! Music making that reflects the soul.
[Séamus Ennis] was a beautifully balanced musician - he possessed exceptional skill and techniques combined with great dept of feeling for his music. He was not spectacular just for the sake of impressing an audience - if anything his playing was characterised by a certain sort of understatement and restraint.
I felt at ease in his company, felt trusted and on the same wavelength with him. His poetry had a huge impact on me when I first encountered it and got to know and work with the man responsible was a privilege and to feel his approval was a precious thing.
© Piper's Stone, jig / Liam O'Flynn, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, composer ; [Rod McVey], keyboards
© Sunset, air / Liam O'Flynn, uilleann pipes, composer ; [Rod McVey], keyboards
© The return of the pedalboard, jig / Liam O'Flynn, tin whistle, composer ; [Rod McVey], keyboards
All rational development of music depends on due attention to the character of the music and the nature of the instruments being used; the former teaches us what is advisable and the latter what’s possible! We should be guided by “the rational development of music. The exercise of good taste, common sense respect for the tradition. Also an understanding and respect for the emotional spirit of the music.