The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-05-25

man Of all others who snatched, as a
brand from the burning. the expiring
torch Of Ireland's priceless melodies.
and rekindled flame Of enthusiasm
for Irish music, to which end his own
expressive singing contributed not
little.
William Michael Rookie, whose real
name was O'Rourke, was born in
Dublin in 1874, and was one of Balfe's
instructors on the violin. He was
chorus master and deputy leader of the
band at Grow street Crheater Royal
from 1917 to 1896, and composed a de-
lightful polacca, ooh Glory in Thy
Brightest Hour" which was rendered
popular by the fine singing of Braham.
Removing to London in 1927. he COM
posed "Amilie, or the Love Test" an eN.
tremely clever opera, which was pro-
duced at Covent Garden on Dec. ..
1887, followed by "Henrique, or the
Love Pilgrim" on May 3, 1889 IRE
markable for the debut of Harrison,
the afterwards eminent tenor, and
third opera, "Cagliostro," which was
not performed. The two tirst-named
operas are most tuneful, and might
well be revived. Rookie wrote two
songs that We're immensely popular.
namely. "My Boyhood's Home" and
"Under the Tree" and he died on Oct.
II. 1917.
Sydney OwenSon. better known as
Lady Morgan. was born in ITS. and
inherited her fathers love for Irish
music. In 1905 she treated herself to
an Irish harp. made by Egan, of Dub
lin: and in 1906, she published small
collection of Irish melodies, as we'll as
two single songs of her own. In JAN
Uary. 1912, she married Sir Thomas
years the acknowledged leader of Dub
lin musical circles. During the London
season of ISL; sire entertained Moore.
Bellini, Pasta, Vaccaj. Gnbussi. and
Taglioni; and she describes Disracli
afterwards Lord BracOnSicld) as 'an
cgregious coNcomb. outraging the privi-
lcgc Il young man has of being alb
surd." She died at Il very advanced
age on April 1G, 1859, and was inferred
in the Rrnmpton cemetery. Perhaps
her most popular ballad was "Katc
Kcarney." which she composed"
from an older tune in 1896.
John Field. born in Dublin in 1882,
made his debut in London in 1904 as
Il musical prodigy: and. having studied
under Clement, appeared for the sec
ond time in 1899. Clement took him
on Il European tour in 1902. and his
pinnOforte playing elected universal
admiration. From 1904 he practically
made Russia his home. and hence is
frequently styled "thc Russian Field"
However. he was Il typical son Of
Erin, and was endowed with Il keen
titH -AliVi ttll ttlIStutS
of 2S years he reappeared in London,
at Il philharmonic concert on Feb. 81,
1852. and was justly regarded as a
great vrtuOSo. In addition to being
the inventor of the "NOcturnc"-nftcl
Incorrectly attributed to Chopin--our
distinguished cllow-co,ntrynan COM
posed many concrrtus. sonatls. and
airs VARIES" He died ut Moscow in
January, 1887.
Pass we now to Michael William
Ralfc. Who though born in Dublin in
1908. received his early musical train
ing in the town of Wexford. where his
father was Il dancing-ma During
the Christmas of 1S15-16 his parents
removed to Dublin, and in May. 1916.
young Ralfc. then Il pupil of William
Michael O'Rourke previously alluded
to-. made his debut rs solo violinist ut
the Royal Exchanges, followed by Il
repetition of the same piecc--: con-
certo by Maysedcr-on June 20, 1917,
at the benefit Of Mr.. James Barton,
conductor of the tleater band. In
1917 he composed Young Fanny" a
pretty little song. which was published
in 1S23-thc very year that found him
as a stuhcntpupil under Charles Ed
ward Horn, of Cherry Ripe" fame. He
soon became il proficient musician, and
frequently acted as deputy for Tom
Cooke as musical director ut Drury
Lane. Il position now occupied by my
friend and comtlynIan, Mackey Glov-
or. Ralfe'S further career is too we'll
known TO dwell on, and llr died on
Oct. 20. 1870. being buried ut kruSnl
Green.
! William Vincent Wallace was born
ut Waterford in 1913. and, in 1899, was
appointed crganist ut Thurles cathe-
tlral. TIL" playing of Paganini at the
Dublin musical festival of 1881 fired
his enthusiasm. and he played a violin
concerto of his own composition at IL
Dublin concert in May. 1884. Like
Enlfc. his musical career does not call
for more detail, as his fame Is imuor-
tai. Among his operas "Maritana,
"Lurlnc. and "rhe Amber Witch
are most popular and likely to remain
So Wallace died Oct -. 1866. ana is
appropriately buried in Kcnsal Green.
William Henry Kearns was born in
Dublin in 1904. and came to London in
1SlI as viOliniSt at Convent Gnrllpn In