Rob, you must ask the entire scots-l to append their signatures and large
cash contributions to your campaign to erect a suitable memorial to Mr
Oswald in Craill. After your lecture when you described how he came from
this picturesque little fishing village, we had to go, even though it did
mean getting through the Fife customs barrier (80p). It's a lovely place
and
if they currently make nothing of his association, they are losing out. I
hope you are able to educate them and get this corrected, as you
promised...
Thanks David. I will forward this onto Sheena Wellington and Andy Neil at
Arts In Fife, who are looking into my proposition. I hope to put on a
concert in Crail of Oswald's music, get some high-heid-yin tae launch a
wall-plack/plaque (sp?) or something. An exhibition would be even better.
I'll get back to you if there are any developments.
For those not in the know, James Oswald (1710-69) was born in Crail, a
crannied fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. He was the son of the
toun drummer, whose job it was to wake everyone up at 5pm to go and work
down the mines and out to sea. Therefore, young James was born into one of
the poorest and most hated families in Crail ! He took up the fiddle and
cello (then a traditional music instrument) and started his working life as
a Dancing Master in Dunfermline. He would have been booked to teach in
well-to-do houses, dancing and fiddle/cello. He then moved to Edinburgh and
began soaking up the new Italian fashion in music. He published his Sonata
of Scots Tunes, which I think is the only really successful attempt to unite
the traditional with the classical. Many composers tried it before and since
with little effect, but Oswald's Sonata is a cracker. He then went to London
and became a very important publisher. One of his own great collections was
the Caledonian Pocket Companion (due to be published in facsimile this
coming year) which contains hundreds (I forget how many) of Scottish airs,
mostly traditional, some by Oswald. Burns had a copy which he heavily
annotated - sadly it doesn't survive - and regarded Oswald as his musical
muse (which brings to mind the real 18th century meaning of 'museum' - house
of muses). Eventually he ended up being the court composer to George III,
and died in Knebworth, married tae some rich bint. Not bad for the son o the
toun drummer! He also composed for the guittar (correct spelling), and my CD
of his 12 Divertimenti will be out next year. Apparently no-one in Crail has
heard of him, so I intend to put that right. Watch this space.
So much for me lurking...
Rob
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.robmackillop.com
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