Glen Collection of printed music > Printed music > Miller o' Hirn collection of over one hundred strathspeys, reels, Highland schottisches, slow airs, songs, hornpipes, jigs etc.

68
gaiety 'which that country is famed for; hut, at the same
time, has a remarkable resemblance towards a combination
of our common Lancers and Quadrilles, with a little varia¬
tion added here and there. In this dance the pupils figured
to their best. A long programme of schottisches, polkas,
waltzes, quadrilles, &c., was gone through, and suitable
intervals allowed for the little children to rest and refresh
themselves, so as to be able to follow their seniors in the
dancing. We may just add one word about the music.
Every one who knows Mr Skinner cannot but appreciate
both his own compositions and his renderings of the other
composers’ pieces, and need we say that the music discoursed
was the principal compositions of the leading composers of
the day ?—Elgin Courant and Courier, November 1880.
Forres.—Fancy Ball.—A very interesting entertainment
took place at Forres last night, namely, a grand fancy ball,
given in connection with Mr Scott Skinner’s classes. The
ball was held in the Agricultural Hall. The large area was
floored for the occasion, and the entry of one hundred
children, dressed in every imaginable costume, from King
Christmas to the Babes in the wood, was an imposing
spectacle. Although the weather was unfavourable, the
proceedings attracted crowds of spectators. Lady Eleanor
Brodie of Brodie, under whose patronage the ball was held,
was present with the young members of her family.—Inver¬
ness Courier, November 1880.
Fancy Juvenile Dress Assembly at Elgin.—On
Saturday, Mr and Mrs Scott Skinner, teachers of dancing,
brought their season in Elgin to a close by a juvenile fancy
dress ball in the Assembly Rooms, and the gathering proved
to be one of the most interesting and successful dancing
entertainments that has taken place in Elgin for many
years. It was known that the children were to be beautifully
dressed, for the most part in character, and in consequence,
the assemblage of spectators was so unusually large, that all
could not be accommodated with seats. The sides of the
hall were thronged with a brilliant array of ladies and
gentlemen ; and those who could find neither standing nor
sitting room had to retreat to the orchestra, which was
filled, and from which an excellent view of the proceedings
could be obtained. Mrs Allan, from Aberdeen, presided at
the piano, and Mr M'Kimmie, Elgin, performed with the
cornet. The ball opened with a grand march, and as the
scholars—about sixty-five couples, bearing flags, banneretts,
bouquets, wreaths, and baskets of flowers, filed into the
hall, the audience was at once captivated by their interesting
appearance. Among the little women folks you would have
seen two Marys, Queen of Scots, the costume, and one
might almost say the air and mien, of that hapless monarch
being faithfully copied. Side by side with “Spring” you
would have beheld “Autumn,” gorgeously and suitably
arrayed in garments which portrayed that most interesting
of all the seasons of the year. Two “Red Riding Hoods ”
and a single “Beauty” came apparently from fairyland,
while not far off was “ Little Bo-Peep,” seemingly from the
same happy region. On coming back to things of earth,
you would have seen a little Puritan woman, prim and
demure, and clothed exactly as if she had been newly handed
down from the time when Charles suffered ; and borrowed, as
one would be apt to think, from former days, was a “Lady
of the Last Century,” in the time when George the Third
was King. Then there were “Scotch Girls ” in appropriate
costume ; a little fish-wifie, with a neat little creel on her
little back, and cockernony mutch on her head ; a German
peasant, and an Italian peasant acting as nursemaid to a
waxen baby that she daintily carried in her bosom ; and
a lovely little “Queen of the May.” Among the “young
men,” the Highland dress, as might have been expected,
most strongly prevailed, and one of them personated “ Bonnie
Prince Charlie one was clad as a “shepherd,” with crook
and plaid and tartan hose ; there were several representatives
of Britannia’s heroes of the mountain wave, in naval costume;
one was a pirate, but his face, beaming with amiability,
had not the look of a ferocious sea-king; and one young
gentleman, dressed in silken velvet, acted as “The Hunter”
of the party. These are a few of the characters, culled at
random, as they are remembered, from the fairy throng that
graced the Assembly Hall on Saturday, but they by no
means exhaust the list, and can only give a faint indication
of the gorgeous and pleasing spectacle there displayed. Of
the exercises that followed, little need be said beyond the
fact, that the youthful people acquitted themselves ad¬
mirably, and called forth manifestations of liveliest satisfac¬
tion from the numerous crowd of spectators around the hall,
most of whom expressed surprise that pupils so young could
be taught to do so much and so gracefully in the brief period
of a few weeks. The “Highland Fling” was beautifully
danced by about sixteen fine young fellows, and the “Sword
Dance ” was neatly performed by one of their number. A
naval dance—-“Jack Tar”—was detailed to a stalwart sailor¬
like youth, who had never perhaps seen or felt the “briny
sea ” nearer than from an occasional visit to the braes of
Stotfield, or a douk maybe at the “Pears and Plums” near
by; but the admirable skill which he displayed, both in the
inspiriting dance itself, and in the nautical manoeuvres which
usually accompany it, shewed that he was really to the
manner born, and his efforts were rewarded with a hearty
round of applause. The “Bohemian Polka” was danced
by two little ladies, to the admiration of all present. The
proceedings were brought to a close about half-past three,
when pupils and spectators retired, all alike highly gratified
with an entertainment that was pleasant and creditable to
all concerned.—Banffshire Journal, October 1879.
Elgin.—Fancy Dress Assembly.—On Saturday, Mr
James Scott Skinner’s dancing classes for the season were
concluded with a fancy dress assembly, which w
r
as really a
very pretty sight, and many came to see it. The large ball¬
room of the Assembly Rooms was crowded, two rows of seats
all round it being occupied with ladies and gentlemen who
came to see the proceedings, while many people had to stand
for whom no seats could be found. The floor at the same
time was filled with the youthful dancers, who looked
bright, and gay, and happy, and graceful, pleasing very
much the older people looking on, and doing much credit to
their enthusiastic and painstaking teacher. The dancing
lasted' from twelve to half-past three, except that short
intervals were given for refreshments suitable to boys and
girls of tender years. The Grand Entree showed at once
what the young people could do. Through all kinds of
mazy movements they threaded their various ways with
charming confidence, quietness, and grace, in one dance
after another; and in the Highland Fling, Jacky Tar,
Ghillie Galium, and other dances, several of them, young as
they were, showed as much precision and taste as any
Strathspey man on the competition boards at a Highland
gathering. Mr Skinner is a master in conducting as well
as in music, in which he was assisted by Mrs Allan, of
Aberdeen. Saturday’s Assembly was the largest and most
successful one he has had in over twenty years’ experience.
—Elgin Courant and Courier, Oct. 15, 1879.
Forres.—Fancy Dress Ball at the Agricultural
Hall.—On Friday last, Mr James Scott Skinner terminated
his season’s classes in Forres with a grand fancy dress as¬
sembly in the Agricultural Hall here. Notwithstanding
that the weather was very unfavourable, a gale of wind
blowing with squalls of rain, there was a large attendance of
parents and guardians, and some hundreds of spectators
thronged the galleries. The Hall was floored and well
lighted up for the occasion. Among those who attended
were Lady Eleanor Brodie, Patroness of the Ball, and the
younger members of her family ; Mr and Mrs Robertson of
Mayfield ; Mr and Mrs Grant of Thornhill, and family ; Mr
and Mrs Forsyth of Canton Villa ; Mr and Mrs H. Thomson,
Knockomie; Mr and Mrs Fraser, Netherton; Mr Dick,
Rothes, Miss Dick, Mr Dick, Naim, and Miss M‘Kenzie,
Bulletloan ; Mr MTvessack, Balnaferry ; Dean Wight, Miss
Wight, and Miss Harper ; Mrs James Gordon ; Mr Wilson
and Miss Wilson, West Park ; Mrs Johnstone, Frederick
Place ; Miss Macpherson and Miss TJrquhart, Bogton Place ;
Miss Petrie Hay ; Mr and Mrs Alex. Smith, Grange ; Miss
Bowie ; Miss Ross, Tytler Street; the Misses Kay ; Mr and
Mrs D. Macpherson ; Mr and Mrs R. Kynoch ; Mr and Mrs
Alex. Fraser; Mrs and Miss Fraser, Springfield; Mrs
Wright, Bronte Place ; Mrs Walker, Park Villa; Mr and
Mrs Fowler, Pilmuir ; Mr and Mrs Scott, Apple Grove ; Mr
and Mrs Charleson ; Captain Boyd ; Mr Sim, Rafford, &c.
The proceedings commenced at three o’clock afternoon,
with the grand entry march, in which one hundred pupils
took part. The appearance of the youthful throng, in every
varied rainbow hue, was very striking, and the onlooker
could not fail to be charmed with the neat deportment of
the little ladies and gentlemen, and with their accurate
performance throughout the mazes of the march. The large
hall was admirably adapted for the spectacle, and no expense
was spared to make it successful. The costumes were
resplendent, the wearers, more especially the gentler sex,
doing justice to them. There were flower girls worthy of
the court of Flora, and queens that would have gladdened
the hearts of the most fastidious of sovereigns. There were
living representatives of the courts of a bygone age, recalling
to mind the lovely daughters of the land who flourished
during the reign of the second George, one little Mary
Queen being a magnificent success; shepherdesses fresh
from Arcadia, many a lingering swain contemplating their
rural charms ; and fairies with sylph-like forms, who seemed
“only by complaisance” to touch the earth. Looks and
characters were, as a rule, well suited, and the costumes
were one and all very appropriate—a circumstance for which
credit is due, we understand, no less to Mrs Skinner than to
the parents. Among the young gentlemen, the Robinson
Crusoe, the Eastern characters, Robin Hood, and the Agri¬
cultural Bumpkin, attracted most notice in the procession.
The programme of dances was as follows :—German Schot-
tische and Hungarian Polka; Long live the Queen, with
flags; Reel, “ Marquis of Huntley’s Farewell”; the French
Quadrille Polo ; the National Dances—Scotch Steps, Sword
Dance, The Graces, Highland Fling, Cane Hornpipe, Scotch
Medley, Jack Tar, Mazurka, Valse, Gorlitza ; Quadrille and
Scotch Steps ; Indian Rod Exercises, Valse Country Dance,
and Galop, Reel of Tulloch, &c. The pupils showed a
thorough acquaintance with their work, and we do not
remember an occasion on which we have seen so many
young children dance so uniformly well. Of course, the
performances of the picked scholars were such as would
have done credit to any assembly, and were only what one
would expect from such able teaching as Mr Skinner’s.
The music to the dances was excellent, the band being as
follows :—Violins—Mr Skinner and Mr W. Sutherland,
Elgin ; violoncello—Mr J. Sutherland, Elgin ; cornet—Mr
Frank Sutherland, Elgin; piccolo—Mr Hugh Dunlop,
Harrogate ; and grand pianoforte—Miss Jeannie Skinner
and Miss Evans. Sergeant Macnaughton ably superintended
the march, and announced the numbers of the programme,
while Mrs Skinner directed the dance with her customary
tact. The refreshment tables were most successfully at¬
tended to by Mr Fraser, baker, this department, despite the
crowd, being supplied and waited in a most creditable
fashion.
ADULT ASSEMBLY.
The assembly of the adult pupils took place later in the
evening, when there was a large gathering, not a few visitors
being present in the galleries. In course of the evening, Mr
Dunlop played Richardson’s celebrated solo, “Nae luck
aboot the House,” on the flute, his finished rendering of its
difficult variations being a treat of no ordinary description
to lovers of music. Mr Skinner also performed a solo with
characteristic ability. Mr Charleson’s Jack Tar, Mrs
Skinner’s Gorlitza, Miss Jennie Skinner’s Gavotte, and
Mr Skinner’s Highland Fling, were also pleasing interludes
to the interesting proceedings, all of them being executed
with great taste. Pipe-Major Fletcher, and Piper Ross of
the Forres Volunteers, supplied excellent bagpipe music.
Mr Duncan Elgin, gave great satisfaction as manager of the
hall.—Forres Gazette.
REVIEWS OF VIOLIN RECITALS, CONCERTS, fa.
Banff.—Recital.—Last night Mr Scott Skinner gave a
recital in St Andrew’s Hall, Castle Street. The audience
was large, the hall being well filled. The programme was
most attractive, and the performances throughout greatly
enjoyed, the artistes being heartily cheered and frequently
encored. Mr Scott Skinner gave no fewer than eight violin
solos, displaying great powers of manipulation in the render¬
ing of various styles of composition. A specially attractive
feature was the playing by Mr Skinner of his own Scotch
selections. He was ably assisted in the programme by Mr
Hugh Dunlop, solo flautist, one of the most accomplished
flute players in this country. In the solo, “There’s nae
Luck, the mellow tones of the instrument w
r
ere admirably
brought out. In the duets, too, the blending of the notes
by the violin and flute was harmonious and effective. Mrs
Allan, from Aberdeen, proved a valuable aid as accompanist
on the piano, and she was evidently a favourite with the
audience.—Banffshire Journal, March 18, 1879.
Inverness.—Musical Recital.—The large and respect¬
able auditory who mustered in the Music Hall on Wednesday
evening, had a rare treat in the wonderfully fine musical
recital given by Mr Scott Skinner and party. The very
tone of Mr Skinner’s violin was a treat. That instrument
has a history, and we should like to know it. Where did
that breast come from ; whence the back; who put them
together ; and, finally, in whose hands did the almost living
whole mellow into the sentient thing it now is ? _ And
really Mr Skinner does the instrument justice. His per¬
formance of the overture of Mozart’s Figaro, Paganini’s
Rondo “Pizzicato,” and De Beriot’s Concerto, were simply
magnificent. And when he turned to the strathspeys and
reels, what spirit and finish ! and what generations of asso¬
ciations arose in the mind as he drew forth from that
wonderful interior the stirring notes of “The Marquis of
Huntly’s Farewell,” and “The Marquis of Tullybardine.”
We sincerely hope to see and hear Mr Skinner again soon.
Mr Dunlop’s flute playing was also very fine—his rendering
of Boehm’s “Du! Du!” particularly so. He proved an
able mate with Mr Skinner in Bellini’s Duet, “Deh! Conte.”'
The Highlander, Inverness, April 4, 1879.
Huntly.—On Monday evening Mr James Scott Skinner,
violinist, assisted by Mr Hugh Dunlop, the celebrated
flautist, gave a recital in Stewart’s Hall. The audience was
small. The music was of a superior nature. Mr Skinner
and Mr Dunlop both showed that they were complete
masters of their instruments, the former of the violin, and
the other of the flute. The various pieces executed were
exceedingly well done. Mrs Allan, of Aberdeen, accom¬
panied on the pianoforte.
Violin and Flute Recital.—Mr Scott Skinner gave his
instrumental recital in Stewart’s Hall, on Monday evening,
when there was but a very poor house. Notwithstanding