O’Riada, Sean (1931-1971), was an Irish musician and composer. He wrote many kinds of music, including compositions for radio, television, and motion pictures, as well as concert works for orchestra, chorus, piano and harpsichord, and solo voice. He composed two masses and a requiem and made arrangements of many traditional Irish folk songs. He was greatly influenced by traditional Irish music.
Sean O’Riada was born on Aug. 1, 1931, in Cork. The English form of his name was John Reidy. He studied classics and music at University College, Cork, graduating in 1952. After working for Radio Eireann, he continued his musical studies in Paris and Italy. On his return, he served as director of music at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin from 1955 to 1962. In 1959, O’Riada wrote music for the film Miss Eire, which included the lament “Roisin Dubh.” He grew increasingly interested in Irish folk music and in 1961 formed a band to play traditional music. From 1963 until 1971, he lectured in music at University College, Cork. His own compositions include a setting of the Roman Catholic Mass and music for the film The Playboy of the Western World (1961). O’Riada died on Oct. 3, 1971.
