Napier's Selection of Dances & Strathspeys
by Napier, William

Full title: Napier's Selection of Dances & Strathspeys with new and Appropriate Basses, adapted for the Piano Forte, Harp &c.

Publisher: London: Napier

Printer: Printed for Wm. Napier. Neele Sculp. Strand London.

Date: 1798

Description:

A big book on heavy paper with plenty of space on the page. The titlepage notes that the book was 'Enterd at Stationers Hall.'

Notes:

The basses are unashamedly keyboard-based, with broken chords (slurred), octaves etc. In 'Lord Kelly's Reel' the tune even finds its way into the LH (given also in small notes in the RH). 'Greig's Pipes' has ornaments in RH and various drone-like pedals in LH.

RISM: N38

Gore: N1

Link: British Library

Biographical info: Napier lived c.1740-1812, and died in London. He was a violinist both at Edinburgh's Canongate Theatre, and for Edinburgh Musical Society, before moving to London. (Alburger, 120; Macleod) He played in prestigious bands including the court of George III, and in middle life set up as publisher, later also starting a circulating library. Napier comissioned music from Haydn and was well-connected with other classical composers. (Grove; Baptie)

Location(s):

GB-AB
GB-Cu
GB-DUcl 3252
GB-En Glen 379
GB-Lbl

Digitised items

This source has not been digitised.