O'kelly

Synopsis

The Book Describes The Careers And The Music Of Four Generations Of Irish Musicians In 19th And Early 20th-century France. It Is A Fascinating Story Of Hopes And Disappointments, Successes And Failures, Musical Talent And Tastes, As This Family Integrated More And More Into French Society. Joseph Kelly (1804-1854), A Dublin-born Piano Teacher, Emigrated To Boulogne-sur-mer, Where His Five Sons Were Born, Three Of Whom Became Musicians. They Lived In Paris Since C.1835 But Close Links To Boulogne Remained. Joseph O'kelly (1828-1885) Became The Best-known Member Of The Family. He Is The Author Of Nine Operas, Four Cantatas And Numerous Songs And Piano Pieces, With Some Excellent Music To Be Rediscovered. Auguste O'kelly (1829-1900) Was A Music Publisher In Paris Between 1872 And 1888. George O'kelly (1831-1914) Was A Pianist, Composer And Teacher In Boulogne And Paris. Henri O'kelly Sr. (1859-1938) Was A Pianist, Organist, Conductor And Composer In Paris For Many Years. Gustave O'kelly (1872-1937) Was A Piano Maker In Paris Between 1898 And 1917. Henri O'kelly Jr. (1881-1922) Was A Double Bass Player And Composer In Paris. The Book Collects Documentary Evidence About All Members Of The Family With Numerous Music Examples And Other Illustrations. It Is Not Only A Study Of The Prototype Minor Composer In One Of Europe's Musical Capitals, But Also Discusses Issues Of Identity, Change, Aesthetics And Irishness In Exile. It Is A Contribution To Both French And Irish Musical History.