Vincent Broderick (1920-2008) was a flute player and prolific composer.  There are two books of his compositions, published by Walton’s Music.  The Turoe Stone was published in 1990 and featured 68 tunes and was followed in 2007 by The Turoe Stone, Vol. 2 with another 51 tunes.  He was also a composer of songs, stories and recitations.

While the books themselves are still available to purchase from Walton’s Music this is the first time that the recordings from which the two books were compiled have been made available to the public.  To complement the recordings there are photographs from Vincent Broderick’s life; a biography and introduction written by Vincent’s son, Des Broderick; recordings of Vincent Broderick’s compositions by other musicians; interviews with Vincent and interactive scores of five of his compositions.

ITMA would like to thank the Broderick Family, in particular Des Broderick, Antóin Mac Gabhann, Walton’s music and the performers on the recordings.

Introduction to the tapes by Des Broderick

My father Vincent Broderick was a renowned flute player and well-known composer who has left a significant contribution to traditional Irish music. This collection I believe, is a vital part of our Irish cultural heritage and I am delighted with the support of ITMA to bring his recordings and stories to a wider audience. 

The family and I are indebted to Antóin Mc Gabhann who facilitated Vincent in getting his music published, I could not estimate the hours Antóin gave to this project, but his meticulous attention to detail was critical in the two publications of the Turoe Stone collections by Walton’s Music. 

Vincent could not read music so he would sit at home with a small cassette recorder and record the tunes, then send the tapes to Antóin so he could transcribe the notes. These tapes are the basis for this collection, and we are delighted to share them with everyone who has an interest in Irish traditional music. 

Vincent loved to share his music and stories, and I hope this collection will inspire both current and future generations of musicians. Aspiring flute players and composers can learn from his unique style and creativity. Vincent’s compositions are known for their originality and creativity. He had a unique ability to blend traditional elements with his own innovative ideas, creating tunes that are both fresh and deeply rooted in the tradition. 

Vincent’s compositions have inspired countless musicians. His tunes are widely played and recorded, influencing the style and repertoire of many traditional Irish musicians. As a composer Vincent had a deep understanding of the nuances and emotions behind his music. His interpretations are considered the most authentic, capturing the true essence of the tradition. 

Listening to my father talking about his compositions provides valuable insights into his creative process, inspirations and the stories behind the tunes. I think this context will deepen the listeners appreciation and connection to the music. 

The Broderick family dedicate this collection to the memory of our wonderful Dad Vincent, and our beloved brother Larry who was a talented flute player in his own right but sadly passed away suddenly in 2023.