Beethoven's 'Irish Songs'

On Thursday 28 November, Dr Una Hunt will launch the first complete collection of Beethoven’s arrangements of Irish traditional airs: ‘Beethoven’s Irish Songs Revisited’ in the Goethe-Institut Irland. This publication contains new texts for the songs, most of which are by Thomas Moore and Robert Burns, chosen by Tomás Ó Súilleabháin.
 
It is a little-known fact that Beethoven’s characterful settings of Irish airs for voice/s and piano, with optional violin and cello, comprise his most numerous compositions in any genre: 72 in all. This edition, the first complete collection of all Beethoven’s Irische Lieder, uses a new, chronological catalogue by Professor Barry Cooper of Manchester University. The other important feature of this publication is the re-texting of most of the songs.
 
The evening will be accompanied by a musical recital and a wine reception with light refreshments. The music is edited by Margaret O’Sullivan Farrell, who will introduce a short selection of the songs performed by Colette Boushell (Soprano), Andrew Boushell (Tenor) and Mary Scarlett (Piano).

The launch also marks the beginning of the Goethe-Institut's 2020 musical programme celebrating the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven's birth.

Admission is free, however, booking via Eventbrite is necessary.