A Collection of Reels Strathspeys and Slow Tunes
by Mackay, Alexander

Full title: A Collection of Reels Strathspeys and Slow Tunes, Arranged for the Piano Forte Chiefly composed by Alexander Mackay Musician Islay. Dedicated by permission to the Right Honble. Lady Elinor Campbell Of Islay and Shawfield.

Publisher: Glasgow Published for the Author by J. Mc.Fadyen 30, Wilson Street

Date: [c.1832]

Description:

This is the earliest example of an island musician compiling his own collection, and includes many tunes by J. Pattison as well as by Mackay.
GB-En copy has pencil notes: 'WM 1822', and 'WM 1832' on p.36.

Notes:

Simple 4-beat basslines in single notes for the most part, but some octaves and dyads near the beginning of the book.
'Mr. Dunn. Campbell Rockside's Reel' (p.8) is a simple but exciting tune using a gapped scale, almost impossible to harmonise.
Many tunes referencing places on Islay: 'The Pier of Bowmore', 'The New Bridge of Lagavuillin', Ballinaby, Ardmore, Ardbeg etc.

Gore: MC16

Biographical info: Alexander Mackay (b.1775) was an Islay fiddler/composer.

Location(s):

GB-DUcl 10497
GB-En Glen 344

Digitised items

This source has not been digitised.