A Collection of New Strathspeys, Reels &c.
by French, John

Full title: A Collection of New Strathspey's, Reel's &c. for the Piano Forte Violin and Violoncello Dedicated to Mrs. Boswell of Auchinleck By John French, Ayr

Publisher: Edinburgh: Gow & Shepherd

Printer: Printed & Sold by Gow & Shepherd

Date: [1801]

Description:

The dedicatee, Mrs Boswell was the wife of the poet and antiquarian, Sir Alexander Boswell, 1st Baronet of Auchinleck (and son of Samuel Johnson's travelling companion James Boswell).
[1800] pencilled in GB-En copy. GB-Ob notes watermark 1801.

Notes:

There is one Irish slip jig, but the contents are mostly reels, with fewer strathspeys. This collection formed the inspiration for James MacMillan's piece 'Cumnock Fair' (http://www.boosey.com/cr/music/James-MacMillan-Cumnock-Fair/1483). The tunes generally have four-beat simple basslines; although moderately interesting, many follow a similar pattern which becomes repetitive.

RISM: F1846

Gore: F3

Link: From HMT, with basslines omitted

Biographical info: John French (1753-1803) was from Ayr (Cumnock, according to Alburger), and this posthumous collection was to raise money for his widow and children. His 'James Dalrymple's Reel' is in a MS in Perth (RISM).

Location(s):

GB-DUcl 10478
GB-En Glen 262
GB-Lbl h.830.e.(2)
GB-Ob Harding Mus. F 132 (6)

Digitised items

This source has not been digitised.