Early & Folk Programmes

Twas’ but a Furlong of Edenburgh Towne
Music for the Act of Union

A new programme to celebrate the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707, featuring music from the famous Scottish collection `The Balcarres Manuscipt’.

Many of the Scottish tune variations in the Balcarres mention musicians, both men and women, who were active as players and composers in Scotland in the run up to the Act of Union. One such Edinburgh fiddler was John Mclachland, a fine composer whose Scottish style blends the native fiddle tradition with continental variation techniques. He also ran a Cannongate pub! Our programme ranges from the rombustuous to the elegant and expands the original Balcarres lute versions into the songs, fiddle and harp music from which they were arranged.

This programme coincides with the publication of the Balcarres manuscript of c.1700, edited by Matthew Spring in the Music of Scotland series.