Hi folks, I know that simeone on thw list has already mentioned this! I am one of the folk on the list who reckon that James Oswald is one of the great unknown Scots. As has already been mentioned on the list he was born in Crail in the East Neuk of Fife ( Good name for a tune. In fact it is attributed to him under the name of - curses who's moved my Gow Collection) He was a music teacher and dancing master, as well as music publisher in Edinburgh, then London. I believe he ended his career in Londonas a court musicain to King George III. His major opus is "Airs for the Seasons", 96 suites -each given the name of a flower. He is best kniwn among folkies as the publsiher of the tune collection, Caledonian Companion ( I think)
We were on holiday two weeks ago in St Andrews where our daughter is going to university in September. We stopped in Crail one day and looked for signs of recognition of their should-be-famous son. There is a nice museum which commemrates among other things HMS Jackdaw which I think was a land based training base for the fleet air arm in WWII. The person in charge knew nothing of Oswald. I have yet to get back to the curator who was off that day. I see in the Scotman that there is a music festival soon in Crail. An obvious opportubity for an ensemble specialising in the music of one of the Scottish masters of the baroque and traditional styles. I wonder whether the organisers even know or care? I love the siciliano from Heartease, Winter. Any other Oswald fans out there? Philip -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Posted to Scots-L - The Traditional Scottish Music & Culture List - To subscribe/unsubscribe, point your browser to: http://www.tullochgorm.com/lists.html
