File 5 - Bound hardback volume of score sheets

Identity area

Reference code

IE 2135 P17/5

Title

Bound hardback volume of score sheets

Date(s)

  • March 2006 (Creation)

Level of description

File

Extent and medium

1 item of 74 pp. with 5 loose inserts

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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Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Commercially printed 12-stave score sheets bound into a hardback volume. The book contains handwritten musical notations of jigs, reels, hornpipes and other traditional tunes in different hands, some possibly dating from the 1870s. With loose inserts of additional musical notations.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

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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 and paper documents in reasonable condition.

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