The music here is from a series of books I lent Paul Burns out the RSH archive, ‘Scotish Minstrel’ (undated 19thC publications). He has very wonderfully provided these for us from them.
–
Jenny has kindly loaned to me some rare books in her ‘Scotish Minstrel’ collection of Vocal melodies.
This tune can be found in volume 5 and is song 2 entitled ‘The Bonnie Breast Knots.’
The title refers to a lady’s “breast knot” – the decoration of ribbons on the bodice of a woman’s dress.
Headphones recommended.
–
Braes O’ Killicrankie is from volume 4 of the ‘Scotish Minstrel Collection’. The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought in June, 1689.
Where hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Where hae ye been sae brankie-o?
Where hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Cam’ ye by Killiecrankie-o?
–
An’ ye had been where I hae been
Ye wadna been sae cantie-o
An’ ye had seen what I hae seen
On the braes o’ Killiecrankie-o
–
I fought at land, I fought at sea
At hame I fought my auntie-o
But I met the Devil and Dundee
On the braes o’ Killiecrankie-o
–
The bauld pitcur fell in a furr
And Clavers gat a clankie-o
Or I had fed an Athol gled
On the braes o’ Killiecrankie-o
–
This tune title in the ‘Scotish Minstrel’ is ‘Strathearn.’
The tune is actually titled ‘Miss Carmichael’s Minuet’ (Circa 1768).
A poem accompanies the tune, entitled ‘Adieu To Strathearn,’ by Carolina Oliphant (1766 to 1845), Baroness Nairn.
Strathearn, oh! how shall I quit thy sweet groves?
How bid thee a long, oh! an endless adieu?
Sad memory over such happiness roves,
As not hope’s own magic can never renew.
–
Sweet scene of my childhood, delight of my youth!
Thy far-winding waters no more I must see;
Thy high-wavering bowers, thy gay woodland flowers,
They wave now, they bloom now, no longer for me.
–
Please Thank Paul for his Contribution to the preservation of Scottish History by
One thought on “Scotish Minstrel Miscellany”