17th-century Scottish tunes

[Robert MacKillop]

Hello everyone,

My first post here. First, apologies - I'm not a fiddler, but I work with many traditional fiddlers with my student groups at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh http://www.qmusiconline.co.uk . My main interest is the Scottish lute, cittern and guitar manuscripts and publications of the 17th and 18th centuries - the roots of the roots. I've recorded cds, published editions (many for free) and written academic papers which have been published. If there are questions that are related to what I know, I'll try to answer.

In the meantime, I've just published online (PDF download only) edition of 25 17th-century Scottish Tunes arranged for fiddle at http://www.RMmusicpublications.com - these books also available in editions for mandolin and for cittern - same pieces, same keys, for group playing. You can get one piece for free from the site.

Any questions, please ask.

Cheers,

Rob MacKillop

[Sue B.]

Hi, Robert, This is way cool information. I am a violinist turned fiddler, and have a violin student whose end goal is to play Scottish fiddle. he's been 5 years in a pipe band, so has that source/version of tunes. My post of a few days ago has only gotten one reply, so your new post is great to see. I'll be checking out your links later. I would particularly be interested in advice/sources for hearing & seeing how bowings & ornaments should properly be applied to get an authentic sound. I'm musically literate and studied Baroque ornamentation in grad school, so relatively scholarly presentations would be fine. Sue

[Robert MacKillop]

Hi Sue,

Good to hear from you. As I am not a fiddler, I have no idea how bowings should be applied. However, I am aware that Neil Gow apparently played strict alternation of down and up bows, somewhat closer to baroque or earlier bowing than to the 19th-century school which has come to dominate modern fiddle technique in Scotland. I see many fiddlers using many notes to one bow direction, which although 'standard' now, does not seem pertinent to Gow's music. But I must echo my second sentence: I have no idea, really... I can't recall where I read the comment about Gow's technique, but it was from someone who observed his playing in the flesh. And it is backed up by the portrait of Neil playing with his brother on the cello, who is holding his cello bow in the old-fashioned style as used by viol players. It is possible the old viol style still held sway in Gow's time.

[Sue B.]

Hi,Robert, That is interesting information, too. I'm interested in original practice & the evolution of same when it can be found. My favorite fiddle music is Cajun. Original practice is likely shrouded forever due to isolated population, limited literacy, and regular infusions of other styles/nationalities of immigrants. But I like to speculate on ties to French music of the early 1700's, influence of Appalachian & Irish/Scottish etc. folk-playing. Have you come across the site violinist.com? I think there might be folks there interested in your work. You can post stuff for sale for free there, too. :) Sue

Robert MacKillop said:

Hi Sue,

Good to hear from you. As I am not a fiddler, I have no idea how bowings should be applied. However, I am aware that Neil Gow apparently played strict alternation of down and up bows, somewhat closer to baroque or earlier bowing than to the 19th-century school which has come to dominate modern fiddle technique in Scotland. I see many fiddlers using many notes to one bow direction, which although 'standard' now, does not seem pertinent to Gow's music. But I must echo my second sentence: I have no idea, really... I can't recall where I read the comment about Gow's technique, but it was from someone who observed his playing in the flesh. And it is backed up by the portrait of Neil playing with his brother on the cello, who is holding his cello bow in the old-fashioned style as used by viol players. It is possible the old viol style still held sway in Gow's time.

[Bink F. Williams]

This is great information. I have been to the site, but was unable to determine how to access the free piece. Any further directions would be appreciated. Are there CD's that have audio versions of the printed pieces? Also, love the music of Gaspar Sanz and played it years ago on classic guitar. Any arrangements for mandolin or fiddle? Thanks

[Robert MacKillop]

Bink,

On the main page of www.RMmusicpublications.com look at the edition for fiddle. You will see a link saying 'Click here for more info' - a new page opens up, upon which is a link saying 'Click here for a typical page from this book'. Sorry it wasn't more clear. I'm not being sarcastic - I've had quite a few emails complaining that there was no free piece when I said there was. I'll have to re-word it.

I never thought of Sanz for fiddle, but why not? It would probably sound great. I'll arrange my uke edition of Sanz for mandolin or fiddle when I get a spare afternoon. Good idea!

I have recorded most of the pieces on their original instrumentation on two CDs for the Greentrax label, and another disc pending release. See www.rmguitar.info for more info.

[Adam R Sweet]

Robert. This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Please post this listing in the Business Listings and Classifieds Groups.

[Dave Light]

Well done, Robert; definitely an important contribution to the world of fiddle music literature.