The Irish Tenors began two of their three video concerts with rousing versions of two of Thomas Moore’s revolutionary songs: “The Minstrel Boy” and “The Harp that Once through Tara’s Hall.” Throughout their concerts, the music of Moore rings.
However, Anthony Kearns holds Thomas Moore perhaps a bit more dear than even the Irish Tenors. I have heard them mention what a huge repertoire Anthony has in his head of the parlor songs, the traditional airs, and the character songs upon which he was raised. Mr. Kearns often speaks of “Moore’s Melodies,” they touch his soul, the soul of the Irishman. Two of Moore’s most beautiful, “Love thee Dearest” and “She is Far from the Land,” are given loving care by Mr. Kearns. These more classical of Moore’s offerings have “become” Anthony’s; they simply are not done more beautifully by anyone living, or perhaps by anyone, ever.
Anthony Kearns feels a sense of pride in country and always includes many Irish songs in his concerts. He enjoys introducing his audiences to his home through song, and the songs of Thomas Moore are historic, they speak to the old land, the traditional, and the revolutionary.
We hope you will enjoy our small introduction to the creator of Moore’s Melodies:
Thomas Moore
Ireland’s National Poet
1779-1852
Thomas Moore was Dublin born and came into a family of nationalists. He was one of the first Irish Catholics allowed to attend Trinity College, which he entered in 1794. While there, his nationalist soul became inflamed. He had many friends who had membership in the United Irishmen and who participated in the rebellions of 1798 and 1803. When one, Robert Emmet, was executed, Moore penned a tribute to him: “When He Who Adores Thee” which was based upon Emmett’s speech in court.
Moore, upon graduation from Trinity, focused entirely upon literature. While at Trinity he had become quite familiar with Edward Bunting’s collection of traditional, ancient Irish music and was fascinated by it. The serious attention and sensitivity he gave reworking it as a lifetime vocation was probably solely responsible for the revival of Irish music.
We must be aware that Thomas Moore remained a controversial figure throughout his life. He never lost his nationalist tendencies, and in fact turned down the Poet Laureateship of Ireland so that he would not have to quell his vocal political views. He was very outspoken in his support of Ireland and nationalist politics, and remained so until his death. However, he was also quite charming and talented, being quite a good singer and performer. He was able to count among his patrons the Regent who later became George IV.
Moore moved to England in the early 1800s, but used his prose, poetry, and songs to carry his Irish message to the people of England and the Continent. One may be assured that Moore’s Melodies were sung in every home and concert hall in the world. He was also counted among the three greatest poets of his time, alongside Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott. Moore was a prolific writer, penning prose throughout his life.
But he is, perhaps, best known today for his beautifully worked lyrics, which still -- when heard -- can stir the soul. Thomas Moore published several (this author found reference to six, eight and/or ten) volumes of Irish music, most of the first (published in 1807) was devoted to the work of Edward Bunting. Without Thomas Moore, certainly the huge quantity of Irish material would not have survived. The Irish Ballad may very well not be the lovely piece of heritage we have today.
Moore’s “The Minstrel Boy” was favored by the Irishmen who fought in the American civil war, and his “Last Rose of Summer” sold over a million copies of sheet music, an unheard of occurrence at that time in history. Moore’s work has been translated into every European language. A statue of him stands in Dublin.
If you would like more comprehensive information on Thomas Moore, please click on the links below.
Moore
Song List
Irish Music Index
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