Item 3 - Two manuscript score books bound into a single hardback volume

Identity area

Reference code

IE 2135 P17/3

Title

Two manuscript score books bound into a single hardback volume

Date(s)

  • March-September 1905 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

72 pp.

Context area

Name of creator

(1885-1966)

Biographical history

John McCarthy was born in Cappamore, county Limerick in 1885 to William and Ellen McCarthy as the second of seven children. His parents owned a farm, a public house and a bakery and while his siblings all went to college, John remained at home to run the family businesses. When in his early teens, John began taking violin lessons from John Corbett, a highly respected but strict music teacher in Cappamore, who insisted that his pupils learnt to play from sheet music rather than by ear. Under Corbett’s tutelage, John developed into an accomplished and note-perfect player. At the turn of the century, Irish traditional sheet music was rare and, to increase his repertoire, John began to collect popular tunes in the East Limerick and North Tipperary area. Some of the notations he wrote down himself, others were given to him by friends and fellow collectors, his sister Eily McCarthy, his cousin Justin McCarthy and his friend Cornelius Collins among others. Music notations were commonly circulated among players and some of the sheets collected by John appear to date from as early as 1876. He used the music to play with other musicians in pubs, dances and local houses. Having married in 1916 Hannah Lally of Knockshambo, county Mayo, he reared a family of twelve children. He died on 5 February 1966.

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Content and structure area

Scope and content

Two manuscript score books bound into a single small hardback volume labelled ‘Music’ on the front cover and signed by Justin McCarthy, Cappamore on the inside of the front cover. The inside of the back cover contains the names of John McCarthy and Cornelius Collins of Cappamore, county Limerick. The book contains handwritten musical notations of jigs, reels, hornpipes and other traditional tunes in different hands.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

No access to bound volume until conserved.

Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

  • Béarla

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Physical characteristics and technical requirements

    Bound volume in fragile condition.

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