I can not explain the emotions and feelings I get listening to this type of music. If there isn't pipe music like this in Heaven,
count me out.
The interviewer is Paddy Glackin, another great fiddle player in his own right.
Leo Rowsome was born in April 1903 in Dublin City into a family with a strong piping tradition. Leo's grandfather, Samuel of Ballintore, Co. Wexford, was a contemporary of Johnny Cash another famous piper, and Leo's father William and Uncles Tom and John were all proficient at the uilleann pipes. The Rowsome house in Harold's Cross was full of music and noise!
Leo's father died in 1928 and Leo himself then took up his father's practice of making pipes. Due to the prevailing economic condition, Leo left school early to commence work at 14 years of age. At the age of 17 in 1920 he commenced teaching in the College of Music and remained there as a part time teacher till his death. Just how many pupils he put through his hands in the 50 years is beyond comprehension. Each pupil had a practice set and manuscript for the music settings. Waltons published a Rowsome Tutor in 1936. Leo married Helena Williams from Taghmon, thus strengthening the strong Wexford link in the family. Leo played in a trio on Radio Éireann in 1920 ( 2RN as it was then known) with Seamus Ó Mathúna, fiddle and Nelius Cronin flute. As a result, he was in much demand all over the country at concert and feiseanna.
He founded Cumann na bPíobarí Uilleann in 1936, which had its headquarters at Árus Ceannt, Thomas Street for many years. Musicians came from all over for Saturday nights sessions and lessons. In association with feis Lár na hÉireann, the Piobairí held the first Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar in 1951, out of which grew CCÉ. Leo also played on Radio Éireann in the 30's in a piping quartet which included Eddie Potts, Tom Rowsome and Michael Padian. Later many others took part, such as Tommy Reck, Willie Clancy, Willie Reynolds, Jim Seery etc. Leo had a workshop attached to his home where he made and repaired pipes. He had clients all over the world and was more interested in seeing pipes being played than in charging too highly for the service. Leo died while adjudicating 'Fiddler of Dooney' competition in Sligo September 1970.
His Music: - Leo's skill in the use of the regulators is evident in the recordings. He provided a continuous rhythmic accompaniment to the melody just like a pianist. His interpretation of the slow air was a moving experience for his listeners while his 'Fox Chase' was considered a masterpiece.
The interviewer is Paddy Glackin, another great fiddle player in his own right.