“MiMusic Notes” by Karine Pierson, Director of Education MiMusic Studio

With Saint Paddy’s Day approaching, I felt inclined to share a beautiful Irish waltz composed in the late 1600s by the harpist Turlough O’Carolan. This piece, Planxty Lord Inchiquin, was written for the 4th Earl of Inchiquin. (Interestingly, the term planxty is believed to be O’Carolan’s own invention and is unrelated to the similar Latin word associated with mourning.)

I learned this waltz from competition fiddler Bob Sadler, one of the premier waltz and Irish fiddlers of the 1970s. He was a judge at the national fiddling championships in Weiser, Idaho, and eventually became a mentor and instructor to several well-established fiddlers. While this tune is commonly played on the fiddle, I believe it sounds even better on its intended instrument—the harp.

The harp is unique in that it is the only musical instrument featured on a national flag. It is also one of the few string instruments described in ancient texts, alongside the lyre, psaltery, and dulcimer. Additionally, it holds a rare distinction among string instruments: it became a symbol of rebellion. So strongly was the harp associated with Irish resistance that at one point, simply owning a harp or playing harp music was considered a punishable offense. As a result, the preservation of Irish harps and their music became not just an act of defiance, but a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Irish people.

In keeping with that spirit, Planxty Lord Inchiquin is a fitting addition to any fiddler’s repertoire for the upcoming holiday. An appreciative audience will no doubt waltz along to its peaceful yet lively melody. I chose to highlight an Irish harp piece specifically because, in these challenging times, it’s important to remember that the artistic spirit endures—and that not all acts of resistance are dramatic or even newsworthy. Sometimes, the greatest act of defiance is simply preserving a waltz that might otherwise be forgotten.

I also selected this piece because it is rarely heard in the United States. In fact, if you Google Planxty Lord Inchiquin, one of the top results is my own performance of the tune at Bob’s Barn in Lake Odessa, MI. A piece this beautiful deserves to be shared, and I believe it is a worthy addition to any musician’s repertoire.