Edward Bunting (1773-1843)

This month in Special Collections we focus on music, with particular reference to collectors of Irish music and song. On display over the next fortnight is Edward Bunting’s The ancient music of Ireland arranged for the piano forte : to which is prefixed a dissertation on the Irish harp and harpers, including an account of the old melodies of Ireland (Dublin : Hodges and Smith, 1840).

Born in Armagh in 1773, the gifted Bunting was arguably the first great collector of Irish music and song. This collection was originally published in 1796, and includes airs played by the harpists at the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792.

 

The timely and 'quick' air "Patrick's Day"

If you would like to view the spotlight exhibition, please contact the staff of the Special Collections Reading Room in the Hardiman Research Building at specialcollections@nuigalway.ie.