Fr. Richard Henebry Scrapbook

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REAL IRISH MUSIC. The walk and Shaw 28.XI.1903 TO THE RDITOR. 24th November, 1903. DRAB SIB.—Dr Henebry's pamphlet has brought that long-suffering asset of our Nationality—"Irish music"—pretty well to the front since its publication, and though there are some startling things in the book, we should be glad of the success of any effort to expose recognition of Irish music as an original and distinctive commodity. There appears to be a general difference of opinion, however, as to whether its cause will be furthered, or otherwise by the publication in question; but that point had best be left to the circles of musical enlightenment to decide. The "man in the street" can be but little versed in the technique of the thing, and as Dr Henebry says—in effect—in, I think, the introductory portion of his book, that anybody attempting a critique of his theory should know as much about it as he does to meet him on level ground. I consider that should prove an effectual "warning off" to many "would be's"; in fact having regard to Dr Henebry's claim to the discovery of the REAL IRISH musical phrasing and notation, I can't see how anybody can be emboldened to enter the critical arena. However, that curious heritage of human nature "contrairiness" simulates many into talking—and that very often "through their hat"—on matters not directly within their sphere, so that even the "man in the street, aforesaid, will have a shy at almost every contentious subject, and he is not, as a rule, particular whether the shy is effected "through the hat" or not. So far, sir, your correspondent Maitin an Buailteoir has had the whole thing pretty much to himself, and right well has he championed Dr Henebry's theory according to his own lights. There has also been a "Review" of Dr Henebry's Book in a previous issue of STAR. This Review in toto of Dr Henebry's Discovery; is quite replete with quotations from his work—in fact, it is almost purely quotational,—and the demolition of a "powerful fatish," etc. Somehow "Maitin an B's" seems a more genuine pleading. He starts by falling on the neck of Dr Henebry's pamphlet and fervently embracing it. He organises of Gaelic concerts for daring to introduce non-traditional items into their programmes. Those items of course consist of "absurd" choruses, chiefs of the Tom Moore "indescribable" kind; Anglo-Irish songs, etc, and rendering of such melodies as "Carrig Dhoun," "Elleen Aroon," etc, in which the Irish words, mind you?—not the airs—are "simply horrible." He considers the cause of Irish music can be fostered and stimulated only by the stimulation of every person and every thing not purely traditional from the Gaelic concert platform. Very good! He is quite right in voicing his opinion, and for the sake of real Irish music, perhaps such would be a good course to adopt. But is this a popularly practical policy? Will not "MB" admit the ordinary Gaelic concert-goer to sit out an exclusively traditional programme. Why, even if those choru…