William Marshall (Scottish composer)

William Marshall ( * December 27 1748 in Fochabers, Scotland, † May 29 1833 in Dandaleith ) was a Scottish fiddler and composer.

Life

Marshall was born on December 27, 1748 as the third son of Francis Marshall and Isabel Innes in the village of Fochabers in Moray. He was since the age of twelve to thirty years in the service of the 4th Duke of Gordon, where he rose to Butler; after he had retired in 1790 to retire, the Duke appointed him governor of a large part of his lands in Banffshire and Aberdeenshire. He filled this position until 1817. Although he had visited a school for only six months and was otherwise have been taught by his father, Marshall was an educated man whose interests stretched himself beside the music on mechanics, astronomy and architecture. He also worked as a watchmaker. A water clock and an astronomical clock by him have been preserved until today. Marshall was married to Jane Giles and had five sons and one daughter. He died on 29 May 1833 in Dandaleith.

Although William Marshall had never received formal music lessons, he was considered one of the best Fiddler his time ( certainly as the best amateur ) and was often taken advantage of by his employer and sponsor entertainment of his guests, " whose admiration he earned easily, even though they were accustomed to listen to music class elsewhere outstanding musicians. "

William Marshall became famous as a composer of fiddle music. Among his most famous compositions include the Strathspeys "The Marchioness of Huntly ", " The Marquis of Huntly 's Farewell ," " Craigellachie Brig " and "Lady Made Lina Sinclair ," the Air " The Nameless Lassie" and the Reel " Easter Elchies ". Marshall has published several collections of his compositions:

Marshall wrote a total of 114 Strathspeys, 84 reels, 21 jigs, hornpipes 3, 2 ​​marches and slow airs 33.

Works

• A Collection of Strathspey Reels with a Bass for the Violoncello or Harpsichord (1781 )
• Marshall 's Scottish Airs, Melodies, Strathspeys, Reels, & c. for the Piano Forte, Harp, Violin & Cello (1822 )
• 2nd Volume of a Collection of Scottish Melodies Reels Strathspeys Jigs slow airs & c. for the Piano Forte, Violin and Cello (1845 )