THE REMARKABLE JOSEPH EMIDY – THE FORMER WEST AFRICAN SLAVE TAKEN TO THE HEARTS OF THE CORNISH
Politicians in the distant Westminster Parliament have been quick to dub the Cornish racists following the publicity surrounding the ancient ‘Darkie Days’ festival in Padstow which has its roots in pre Christian times.
What they will fail to know because they are so far removed from Cornwall and our traditions is that the Cornish people have walked the world and are amongst the most sincere and welcoming of nationalities.
This has always been the case of course, although those who make the place their home are sure to raise hackles by criticising what they find and by attempting to force their ways on an ancient and pre English people.
In terms of acceptance, let us take, for example, the case of Joseph Antonio Emidy, who lived from 1775 until 23 April 1835.
Joseph was a black West African-born musician who was enslaved in early life, before becoming a notable and celebrated violinist and composer in Cornwall.
Born in West Africa, he was captured as a child by Portuguese traders who took him to Brazil and later to Portugal.
In Portugal, he became a virtuoso violinist in the Lisbon Opera. He was press-ganged by British Admiral Sir Edward Pellew during the Napoleonic wars and spent the next four years as a ship's fiddler.
In 1799, he was abandoned in Falmouth, Cornwall. Whilst there, Emidy earned his living as a violinist and a teacher.
He was completely accepted by the Cornish people and went on to become the leader of the Truro Philharmonic Orchestra establishing himself as one of the most celebrated and influential musical figures in early 19th century Cornwall.
He composed many works including concertos and a symphony but no known copies survive.
In 1802, he married Jane Hutchins, a local tradesman’s daughter and they had eight children. They moved to live in Truro around 1815.
He died in Truro, Cornwall, and his grave is in Kenwyn churchyard.
On 24 March 2007, during a service at Kenwyn Church to mark the 200th anniversary of the parliamentary abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire, the life of Emidy was featured and some typical pieces of music from his time were played in tribute.
Joseph Emidy is the subject of a play by Dr Alan M. Kent, the renowned Cornish writer and academic ‘The Tin Violin’.
Living proof that we the Cornish re not as portrayed by London based politicians who know little of us and of what we believe.
We are now a National Minority ourselves having campaigned long and hard for the legal protections afforded by that. We have ourselves suffered horrific and threatening abuse and because of this, we continue to be aware of the needs of others.
Kernow a sav ryb an gwaskys, pub tu! - Cornwall stands with the oppressed, everywhere!
The official Joseph Emidy website: http://www.emidy.com/home
Written by a member of the Cornwall Branch Celtic League
[email protected]
Politicians in the distant Westminster Parliament have been quick to dub the Cornish racists following the publicity surrounding the ancient ‘Darkie Days’ festival in Padstow which has its roots in pre Christian times.
What they will fail to know because they are so far removed from Cornwall and our traditions is that the Cornish people have walked the world and are amongst the most sincere and welcoming of nationalities.
This has always been the case of course, although those who make the place their home are sure to raise hackles by criticising what they find and by attempting to force their ways on an ancient and pre English people.
In terms of acceptance, let us take, for example, the case of Joseph Antonio Emidy, who lived from 1775 until 23 April 1835.
Joseph was a black West African-born musician who was enslaved in early life, before becoming a notable and celebrated violinist and composer in Cornwall.
Born in West Africa, he was captured as a child by Portuguese traders who took him to Brazil and later to Portugal.
In Portugal, he became a virtuoso violinist in the Lisbon Opera. He was press-ganged by British Admiral Sir Edward Pellew during the Napoleonic wars and spent the next four years as a ship's fiddler.
In 1799, he was abandoned in Falmouth, Cornwall. Whilst there, Emidy earned his living as a violinist and a teacher.
He was completely accepted by the Cornish people and went on to become the leader of the Truro Philharmonic Orchestra establishing himself as one of the most celebrated and influential musical figures in early 19th century Cornwall.
He composed many works including concertos and a symphony but no known copies survive.
In 1802, he married Jane Hutchins, a local tradesman’s daughter and they had eight children. They moved to live in Truro around 1815.
He died in Truro, Cornwall, and his grave is in Kenwyn churchyard.
On 24 March 2007, during a service at Kenwyn Church to mark the 200th anniversary of the parliamentary abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire, the life of Emidy was featured and some typical pieces of music from his time were played in tribute.
Joseph Emidy is the subject of a play by Dr Alan M. Kent, the renowned Cornish writer and academic ‘The Tin Violin’.
Living proof that we the Cornish re not as portrayed by London based politicians who know little of us and of what we believe.
We are now a National Minority ourselves having campaigned long and hard for the legal protections afforded by that. We have ourselves suffered horrific and threatening abuse and because of this, we continue to be aware of the needs of others.
Kernow a sav ryb an gwaskys, pub tu! - Cornwall stands with the oppressed, everywhere!
The official Joseph Emidy website: http://www.emidy.com/home
Written by a member of the Cornwall Branch Celtic League
[email protected]