Gathering the Harvest
In the 100th anniversary year of Seamus Ennis`s birth J.J. O`Shea celebrates the life and work of this giant of Irish traditional music by taking a look at his work as a collector, an important, but often overlooked, aspect of Ennis`s multi-faceted career. In addition to his achievements as master musician, singer and broadcaster, Seamus Ennis was a particularly skilled collector of music and song – first in his years with the Irish Folklore Commission, then with Radio Eireann, and later again with the BBC. In the company of folklorists, musicians and Ennis`s friends we hear about how Ennis was particularly suited to recording the vital but fading vestiges of vernacular culture. Special attention is given to Ennis`s trip to Scotland in 1946/7 which took place during his time with the Irish Folklore Commission showing how he was enthralled by the spectacular musical traditions he encountered in the Hebrides some of which have no equivalent in Irish traditional music. Several excerpts of Ennis`s field recordings are heard throughout and actor Dónall Ó Héalaí reads excerpts from Ennis`s letters and field diaries which give an insight into his working methods and his character. In addition, personal memories by colleagues and friends reveal Seamus Ennis`s serious artistic integrity coupled with an often playful humorous approach to life.
A J.J.O’Shea production for RTÉ lyric fm, funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland from the Television Licence Fee.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 26th May, 6pm-7pm