Erin go bragh [Ireland Forever]

Composer Charles Louis Napoleon d'Albert (1809-1886)

Date1856

Object number00029047

NameSheet music

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 352 x 250 mm, 3 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe cover of 'Erin go Bragh', or Ireland the Brave features a lithograph by T Sinclair depicting a sunset scene at Customs House Quay, Dublin, with moored ships and passengers waiting on the dock. Dublin was the largest port in the Republic of Ireland, handling over half of the country's foreign trade and acting as the departure point for many immigrants during the 19th century. This song was composed as a lament for the people who were leaving Ireland behind.HistoryIrish migration during the 19th century was instigated largely by the Great Famine, with thousands of people heading to America and Australia via Liverpool, England. Erin go Bragh' later became a commemorative song after the 1916 Easter uprising in Dublin, changing its focus from a song of lament to a patriotic piece. Dublins' Customs House was built between 1781 and 1791 and is one of the finest neoclassical buildings in Europe. Its depiction on 'Erin go Bragh' dates to its construction in 1791. With the Four Courts and Dublin Castle it formed the central hub of British administration in Ireland, being significantly damaged in the 1919-1921 War of Independence. Sheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatre shows. SignificanceThis quadrille is representative of the Irish immigrants in the 19th century. It is an example of the many sheet music scores produced by the well known composer Charles d'Albert (1809-1886).