Spackling Band is named after Francis 'Spackling' Dowdall, a member of the State Orchestra in Dublin Castle around 1720, who was dismissed for falling off his horse due to excessive wine.
Composer Biography
Matthew Dubourg, Master and Composer of State Music of Dublin, led the orchestra for the first performance of Handel's Messiah in Dublin in 1742.
Cultural Impact
Matthew Dubourg's Variations on Eileen Aroon became famous across Europe and influenced composers like Haydn and Beethoven.
Historical Context
George Frederick Handel arrived in Dublin in November 1741 and established himself in the city's musical life, culminating in the premiere of his Messiah.
Historical Context
In the 18th century, Dublin was the second-largest city in the British Empire, with a population nearly equal to London's, and boasted a vibrant music scene.
Recording & Production
The music for this album was unearthed from the Joly Collection at the National Library of Ireland, specifically from an 18th-century 'gig book' belonging to Ralph Wart Wilson.
Composition History
Many Italian composers, including Castrucci and Bocchi, settled in Dublin and specialized in 'gentrifying' Irish music by adding variations and a bass line to simple melodies.
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