Simon Mayor presents five short string quartets on themes by Turlough O’Carolan.
Also suitable for mandolin family instruments.

Turlough O’Carolan is one of Ireland’s most celebrated baroque composers, responsible for some of the strongest and grandest melodies to come out of his homeland. He was a great friend of his Italian contemporary Corelli, who spent some time in Dublin and had a significant influence on O’Carolan’s music. But traditional music was an influence too, and, stylistically, his compositions occupy a fascinating middle ground between these two genres.

Contents: Carlan’s Frolics, Hewlett, Lord Brabazon, Princess Royal, Lord Inchiquin.

The audio sample here, part of Princess Royal, is of an impromptu 'read off' by seven string players, so most lines have two instruments. It's only an extract, but gives a flavour of the music.