If I had been asked, before last Sunday's recital in the Hugh Lane Gallery, for the names of composers who had written for choirs in 18th-century Ireland, I should have been hard pressed for an answer. Now, not only are these names familiar - Charles Thomas Carter, Daniel Roseingrave, Ralph Roseingrave and Richard Woodward - but their music has become accessible, thanks to the scores edited and published by Douglas Gunn and to the heartfelt performances by Fishamble Voices, directed by Brian MacKay.
The elder Roseingrave, Daniel, moved to Dublin from England on his appointment as organist of both cathedrals, and was succeeded in his post by his son Ralph. They would have known Dean Swift. Richard Woodward, in the next generation was master of the choristers in both cathedrals. Charles Carter is less well documented, but a huge amount of his music was published in London at the end of the 18th century. His canon in three parts, Non nobis Domine, provided a neutral beginning to Sunday's recital, exhibiting a clarity that would have pleased the men of the Enlightenment.
Daniel Roseingrave was represented by two verse anthems; Lord, thou art become gracious was notable for some very effective chromaticism. Ralph Roseingrave, represented by six items, displayed an impressive command of sonorities in I will cry unto God and a sense of calm devotion in Bow down thine ear.
Richard Woodward's three items included a three part canon of great beauty and a jubilant O praise God.
With the exception of the canons each piece was accompanied on the chamber organ by Brian MacKay. The sound did not always blend happily with the five voices of the choir but the whole recital was a revelation of the beauties of the Baroque repertoire.
