During the 18th century, Scotland was not in the forefront of European musical developments, but she was definitely contributing to them - not just passively spectating as she had done before. If
the acid test of a countries music is the quality of its original compositions, then Scotland's classical music of this period stands up to the test better than is generally believed. Several composers achieved
eminence, producing vigorous and tasteful contributions to the musical scene. Francesco Barsanti (1690 - 1772) Barsanti was born in Lucca, Italy, and moved to London and
then onto Edinburgh in 1735, where he worked for the Edinburgh Musical Society. During that time he wrote some stunning concertos for French horns and kettledrums, and a set of overtures for string orchestra. Barsanti
married a Scotswoman, and their daughter, Jenny, later became a well known London opera singer. Sir John Clerk (1676 - 1755) Sir John Clerk of Penicuik wrote a fine violin sonata
and a notable cantata - The Lion of Scotland Enraged - on the subject of the Darien colony in America. Clerk's career as musician was curtailed when he entered politics and became a financial advisor to the
Scottish Parliament. He was one of the Scottish MPs who signed the Treaty of the Union in 1707, after which he became an MP at Westminster. He was also a prolific essayist and he wrote on economics and antiquities,
which he collected. The Earl of Kellie (1732 - 1781) Thomas Erskine, sixth earl of Kellie, and laird of Kellie castle in Fife, combined a career as a gentleman of leisure with
being the most highly trained, professional composer that Scotland produced in the entire 18th century. His surviving work includes 10 symphonies, six sonatas and about two dozen minuets. Unfortunately much more of his
work has been mislaid over the years. William McGibbon (1695 - 1756) McGibbon was born in Edinburgh. His early training came from his father Malcolm, who was a professional
oboist. William later studied in London under William Corbett and afterwards became Scotland's finest concert violinist for much of his life, as well as writing 30 sonatas and several pieces for orchestra. After 1740
his creative energies were channeled into Scots fiddle music and he published 128 folk tune settings. Charles McLean (1712 - 1740) McLean worked successfully as a music teacher in
Montrose, Aberdeen and Edinburgh; he wrote about 15 sonatas for flutes and violins. James Oswald (1711 - 1769) Oswald was born in the Stirling area and worked in Dunfermline and
Edinburgh before finally moving to London. He wrote immense amounts of instrumental music and songs for London musical shows, and was appointed Composer-in-Ordinary to George III in 1761. He was often derided for moving
to London, including, once by Sir Walter Scott in his novel 'Redgauntlet'. Oswalds folk tunes were collected in 'The Caledonian Pocket Companion". John Reid (1721 - 1807) General
John Reid - the name was changed from Robertson to Reid on inheriting the estate of Straloch in Perthshire - was the son of a landed baron in the Perthshire Highlands. He wrote 12 flute sonatas and a number of
regimental marches. Many of his sonatas may have been sketched in his officers tent, while on active service. He always traveled with flutes in his army kit. Reid left his fortune to Edinburgh University to endow a
chair of music and for a concert to be held every 13th February, his birthday, at which one of his compositions was to be played. |
