Greetings.  First of all, check out these two clips:

Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin, 1670  – 1738

William Billings (b. Boston, October 7, 1746 – d. Boston, September 26, 1800)

Colloquially now, O’Carolan, the blind harpist contemporary of J.S. Bach, and Billings, the quintessential New England composer who lived before and after Mozart’s earthly sojourn, have been united for a four tune set that will be performed during the By A Route Obscure concert later this month.  For me, these tunes provide intriquing evidence of much what was the rage throughout Europe during the classical style’s emergence from the baroque.  The added enchantment is when the epiphany occurs in one’s mind about the brillance of O’Carolan’s melodies.  I’ve always imagined that Johann and Turlough could have met by chance at a bar and shared some tunes and spoke of melody.  Unlikely, but an interesting notion nevertheless.  And Billings?  Of course my first recollection of knowing who he was was tied to learning the tune/hymn Chester which was cool because of it being my home town.  Anyway, when you happen to check out more of what William Billings wrote, it is pretty cool to close your eyes and imagine the context for these works during the earliest days of our nation.

So, on February 28, 2009 at The Company of Fifers and Drummers in Ivoryton, Connecticut, Ó Cearbhalláin & Billings will provide the inspiration for fife quartet and rudimental drums.  Come check it out.