Music manuscript

Having wimped out on Wednesday, I made up for it this morning despite wet and windy conditions and met Roy, my colleague from the music group, for a tour of the In Tune exhibition which he curated.

Roy was the perfect guide, giving me detailed background information about almost every exhibit on show in the glorious Long Room in Trinity College Library. This beautifully produced manuscript dates from the 18th Century. The music is the anthem I will magnify thee, written by Ralph Roseingrave, a member of a prominent musical family in Dublin. Daniel Roseingrave (the elder) was organist at both St Patrick's and Christ Church cathedrals from 1698, and was succeeded by his youngest son Ralph, who held both positions until his death in 1747. Another of Daniel's sons (probably the eldest, and also named Daniel) was appointed organist at Trinity College Chapel in 1707.

The exhibition provides a fascinating record of the wide-ranging contents of Trinity's Music Library. The earliest item on show dates from 1093, with the latest being a programme from a pop concert given in Dublin last year.