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the small number of people, Mr Skinner, assisted by Mr
Dunlop (flautist), and Mrs Allan (pianiste), went through
the programme, which contained many excellent pieces, and
were all rendered in such a way as to reflect great credit on
the performers. The class of music was by far too fine for
the most of those present; but the extraordinary manipula¬
tion of the gentlemen was such as to create quite a sensation.
Mrs Allan rendered good service as accompanist. Altogether,
the entertainment was really first-class, and the company is
one which deserves a visit from those who want to hear
thoroughly good music.—Huntly Express, March 29, 1879.
Elgin.—Recital of Instrumental Music.—On Thurs¬
day evening Mr Scott Skinner gave a recital of instrumental
music in the Assembly Rooms to a large and respectable
audience. The instruments consisted of a violin, flute, and
pianoforte, which were manipulated by Mr Scott Skinner,
Mr Dunlop, and Mrs Allan, respectively. The style and
quality of the music was excellent. Everyone was delighted
with the entertainment, and hope soon to have it repeated.
—Aberdeen Free Press, March 29, 1879.
Tain.—Instrumental Concert.—On Monday night we
were favoured by a visit from Mr Scott Skinner, the eminent
violinist, who, along with Mr Dunlop, flautist, gave a recital
of high-class and popular music. The audience was not so
large as might be expected from the nature of the
entertainment. Often, when some rag-tag and bobtail
concert party visit the Royal Burgh, they get a large house,
while, on the other hand, if there is really good music to be
heard, a greater number of empty benches are to be seen
than ought to. If, however, the audience was not so large
as it should, it was a thoroughly appreciative one. Mr Scott
Skinner played with his usual brilliancy, His rendering of
the different violin solos was very fine. The programme
included his new strathspey, “ Mrs Scott Skinner,” and the
always popular “Miller o’ Hirn.” Among his high-class
pieces perhaps the most taking were De Beriot’s “Seventh
Air,” in E major, and the “Carnival of Venice,” the har¬
monies in which were beautifully played. It was a treat to
hear a flautist of Mr Dunlop’s ability in the north. His
principal solos were Boehm’s “Du ! Du !” a Pot Pourrie on
National Airs by Nicholson, and the Scotch favourite,
“There’s nae luck about the house.” He also seems as
much at home with the violin as with the flute, judging
from the manner in which he played, along with Mr Skinner,
the duet, “Deli Conte,” from Norma. Mrs Allan was the
accompanist, and while playing well, she had the merit of
not obtruding the accompaniment so as to spoil the effect of
the principal instruments, a merit not always possessed by
lady accompanists.—Invergordcm Times, April 2, 1879.
Forres.—Musical Treat.—On "Wednesday evening
lovers of music enjoyed a treat in the Mechanics’ Hall, in
the shape of a concert by Mr J. Scott Skinner. There was
a good attendance. Mr Skinner was assisted by Mr Hugh
Dunlop as solo flutist, and Mrs Allan, accompanist.—Inver¬
ness Advertiser, March 29, 1879.
Elgin.—Violin Recital.—Mr Scott Skinner, assisted by
Mr Hugh Dunlop, gave a recital of instrumental music in
the Assembly Rooms, Elgin, on Thursday evening. There
was a very large and highly appreciative audience. Mr
Scott Skinner’s skill, we might almost say genius, as a
violinist is well known all over the north ; but we venture
to say that the most ardent admirer of Mr Skinner was on
Thursday night delighted beyond his utmost anticipations.
The programme was an ambitious and very exacting one.
It contained no fewer than eighteen numbers, a few being
Scotch selections, but the greater portion classical pieces
exceedingly difficult of execution. Mr Scott Skinner proved
himself, if proof were needed, a thorough master of the
violin. He displayed a manual dexterity marvellous to
witness, and, what is equally necessary to their perfect
representation, caught and vividly reflected the spirit of the
various pieces he played. Mr Hugh Dunlop, too, used
the flute with admirable skill and effect. A magnificent
performance was his playing of L. de Jong’s Fantasia from
“Faust.” Mrs Allan played the piano accompaniments
with her accustomed ability. Altogether, the recital was in
every respect perfect. We only wish that in Elgin we had
the opportunity of listening more frequently to a musical
entertainment of so high an order.—Elgin and Moray News
March 29, 1879.
Elgin.—Musical Recital.—Mr Scott Skinner, along
with Mr Dunlop, the celebrated flute player, and Mrs Allan
from Aberdeen, gave an entertainment of instrumental
music in the Assembly Rooms, on Thursday evening. Mr
Skinner, who is gifted beyond common as a violinist, gave
the greatest satisfaction in his selections of Scotch reels and
other national airs ; and the programme, which consisted of
solos, duets, and overtures, was gone through with great
spirit, and highly gratified the select audience present on
the occasion.—Aberdeen Journal, March 29, 1879.
Elgin—Mr Scott Skinner’s Recital.—Last evening,
in the Assembly Rooms, Mr Scott Skinner gave a recital of
instrumental music of a highly interesting and classical
nature, to a large and appreciative audience. This class of
entertainment, so popular in larger cities, is unfortunately
of rare occurrence in these parts, which is much to be
regretted, as many superior compositions are submitted
which otherwise are seldom heard. Mr Scott Skinner—a
host in himself on the violin—was on this occasion supported
by Mr Hugh Dunlop, the eminent flautist, and by Mrs
Allan, accompanist, and a large and varied programme was
got through in a very artistic and acceptable manner. The
programme consisted of eighteen numbers—truly a large
undertaking for only two soloists to attempt to grapple
withal—but, by dint of sheer musical genius and enthusiasm,
not only was every number thoroughly executed, but that
with a style and finish which bespoke the true artist. The
extraordinary digital dexterity which distinguishes Mr Scott
Skinner’s playing is of itself a marvel; but the hearty en¬
thusiasm infused into every movement in rendering the
music, was a treat of the highest order. Mr Hugh Dunlop
is a less demonstrative, but sound and painstaking musician,
and made a highly creditable appearance. The programme
consisted of violin and flute solos by eminent composers,
interspersed with strathspeys and reels, in the playing of
which Mr Skinner is a distinguished master, while valuable
and efficient accompaniments by Mrs Allan gave a fulness
and completeness to the whole evening’s entertainment,
which was one we hope will be soon repeated in Elgin.—
Elgin Cowant, March 28.
Elgin.—On Wednesday evening, Mr James Scott Skinner,
the prize strathspey and reel player of Scotland, gave a
grand entertainment in the Lower Hall of the Mechanics’
Institute. There was a good attendance, and the pro¬
gramme was a very fine one.—Elgin Courant, March 28.
Rothes.—On the evening of Friday last, Mr Scott
Skinner gave a violin recital in the Masonic Hall here.
The attendance was pretty good, but certainly nothing like
what such a high musical treat deserved. Mr Scott Skinner’s
rendering of such airs as “O’a’the airts,” “Auld Robin
Gray,” &c., fairly held the audience spellbound ; whilst his
enthusiastic and masterly playing of the “Reel o’ Tulloch,”
“Miller o’ Hirn,” and similar rousing strains, was equally
successful. Mrs Allan’s pianoforte playing (of a class
seldom heard in this quarter) was very much admired. The
entertainment was a decided success throughout.—Elgin
Courant, April 1, 1879.
Nairn.—Concert.-—On Saturday evening Mr Skinner
gave a concert in the Public Hall, Naim. ' Mr Skinner’s
violin solos were as usual characterised by great brilliancy
of execution, shewing a complete mastery of the violin. Mr
Hugh Dunlop, a well-known southern flautist, made his first
appearance here, and should he return again he will be sure
of a good welcome. His playing on the flute was a great
treat, some of his solos being really wonderful performances.
Mrs Allan was the piano accompanist.—Nairn Telegraph,
April 2, 1879.
Dingwall.—Mr Scott Skinner’s Recital of Instru¬
mental Music.—On Tuesday night a fairly large, but very
attentive and appreciative audience, assembled in the Masonic
Hall to listen to an exceedingly attractive recital of classical
music by Mr Scott Skinner. This gentleman has a remark¬
able command over the violin. His interpretation of the
Seventh Air in E major, and of the First Concerto, Op. 16,
both from the works of De Beriot, were very masterly and
telling. That odd but characteristic theme of Paganini’s,
“ Pizzicato,” called forth a well merited applause. In all
the selections with which Mr Skinner was credited in the
programme, he exhibited an enthusiasm which displayed
the genius of the true artist. His fingering throughout
was thorough, yet nothing could have surpassed the dash
and spirit which he infused into the strathspeys and reels,
which formed a part of the programme. They were simply
perfect. He was accompanied by Mr Hugh Dunlop,' flautist,
and by Mrs Allan, accompanist. Mr Dunlop is also a
thorough musician. His style is quiet, but faultless. He
w
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as decidedly most successful in his selection from classic
authors. We would make special mention of his rendering
of the Fantasia from “Faust,” and of the brilliance with
which he executed the very difficult but taking variations
set to “There’s nae luck.” Mrs Allan added much to the
evening’s enjoyment as accompanist. She knows what an
accompaniment is. She kept the piano subordinate to the
solos throughout, yet it was always heard, and heard to
advantage. Such recitals as these have an educative tendency,
and certainly a very elevating one. It is worthy of remark,
as shewing the musical talent in town, that among the
audience there were no less than thirty local amateur violin
players.—Ross-shire Journal, April 4, 1879.
Inverness.—Musical Recital.—To-morrow evening a
recital of instrumental and vocal music is to take place in
the Music Hall, the artists being Mr Scott Skinner, violinist
and composer ; Mr Hugh Dunlop, one of the best of modem
flautists, connected with the Sims Reeves’ concerts; Mr J.
M. A. Kay, Scottish vocalist; and Mrs Allan, pianist. The
programme issued will commend itself to all who desire to
enjoy a musical treat for a couple of hours.—Inverness
Advertiser, April 1, 1879.
Inverness.—Recital.—On Wednesday evening last, Mr
Scott Skinner, assisted by Mr Hugh Dunlop, flautist, Mr J.
M. A. Kay, vocalist, and Mrs Allan, pianist, gave a recital
of high class music in the Music Hall. Mr Skinner, whose
instrument was the violin, on which he is an executant of
well-known ability, performed De Beriot’s “Seventh Air”
with great facility and expression, while in the “Air Yarie,
Op. 10,” from P. Rode, the execution was particularly
pleasing. In Paganinini’s “Pizzicato,” the fingering so
peculiar to the eccentric genius of the composer was rendered
with great apparent fidelity as well as success. De Beriot’s
“ First Concerto, Op. 16;” “Carnival de Yenise;” and C.
R ougier’s ‘ ‘ Keel Row, ” as solos, also received an intelligent
rendering at the hands of Mr Skinner, who introduced
throughout the programme several pieces of his own composi¬
tion with great acceptance. The performances of Mr Dunlop
on the flute were all that was to be expected from an accom¬
plished musician and a complete master of his instrument. The
variations on such well-known popular airs as “There’s nae
luck about the House,” and “Rule Britannia,” as well as a
fantasia from “Faust,” showed the capabilities of the in¬
strument to the best advantage, and earned for the performer
frequent rounds of well-merited applause. We should not
forget to mention a duet between two violins, by Mr Skinner
and Mr Dunlop, “Deh! Conte,” from Bellini’s “Norma,”
and Scott Skinner’s overture “Rob Roy,” on violin and
piano, by Mr Skinner and Mrs Allan. Mr J. M. A. Kay
sang, in good voice and style, “Up in the mornin’ early,”
“ 0 are ye sleeping Maggie,” and, in response to an encore,
“Auld Joe Nicolson’s bonnie Nannie,” which were well
received, while Mrs Allan acted as accompanist throughout
in an acceptable manner. The concert was very enjoyable
from first to last, and the efforts of the performers merited a
a fuller house.”—Inverness Advertiser, April 4, 1879.
Inverness.—Recital.—Last night, in the Music Hall,
Mr Scott Skinner, supported by Mr Hugh Dunlop, Mr J. M.
A. Kay, and Mrs Allan, pianist, gave a very successful
musical recital to a large and appreciative audience. Mr
Skinner performed on the violin, Mr Dunlop on the flute,
Mr Kay sang several Scotch Songs, and Mrs Allan played
the piano accompaniments. The entertainment, in every
respect, was exceedingly good, and the interest of the
audience from first to last was sustained.—Inverness Courier
April 3, 1879.
Peterhead.—Mr Skinner’s Evening Recital.—Last
night Mr Scott Skinner and Mr Dunlop gave a violin and
flute recital in Prince Street Hall. The programme included
a very varied selection of pieces, and afforded ample scope
for the display of much executive power. Mr Skinner
exhibited a perfect command over the resources of his instru¬
ment, in rendering not only rapid and ornate passages, which
were bowed with much precision and power, but equally so
in the lighter touches, which were given in a skilful and
artistic manner. Quite as effective were Mr Dunlop’s efforts
to give expression to a wide range of difficult numbers, but
most appreciatively so when discoursing several of our
exquisite ballad airs, which never seem to become hackneyed
by repetition.—East Aberdeenshire Observer, Peterhead, April
4, 1879.
i
Peterhead.—Mr Scott Skinner’s Recital.—Mr Scott
Skinner gave a musical recital in Prince Street Hall, Peter¬
head, on Thursday evening. Mr Skinner’s power in the
manipulation of the violin is well known, and his excellent
renderings of the selection he made on Thursday evening
elicited hearty applause; while Mr Hugh Dunlop’s flute
solos, it is almost superfluous to state, were also warmly
received.—Aberdeen Journal, April 5, 1879.
Peterhead. — Mr Scott Skinner’s Recital. — On
Thursday evening Mr James Scott Skinner, assisted by Mr Hugh
Dunlop, and Mrs Allan, Aberdeen, gave a violin and flute
recital in the Prince Street Hall, to a critical and appreciative
audience. Those whose taste lies in the direction of listening
to violin playing by a master of the instrument, or to flute
solo playing of the very highest order, will wait some time
before they have an opportunity of enjoying an entertainment
similar to that of Thursday evening. As an instrumentalist,
Mr Scott Skinner possesses qualifications sufficiently well
known to require no laudation here. Never, it may with safety
be said, has an opportunity been afforded in Peterhead of
hearing such magnificent flute playing as that of Mr Dunlop.
Nor should the flute accompaniment on the piano, played by
Mrs Allan, be forgotten, inasmuch as it was a perfonnance
which to err in would have been easy.—Aberdeen Free
Press, April 5, 1879.
Peterhead.—Mr Scott Skinner’s Recital. —Mr Scott
Skinner, accompanied by one of the first flute players of the
day, Mr Hugh Dunlop, and Mrs Allan, as accompanist on
the piano, gave one of his charming instrumental recitals in
the Prince Street Hall, on the evening of Thursday last.
The audience, in common with the other audiences over the
north, who have had the pleasure of listening to this excellent
entertainment, enjoyed in full the astonishing dexterity and
correct execution of the different soloists, from the first to
the last of the programme. We have on several occasions
had to speak in the highest terms of praise of Mr Scott
Skinner’s abilities as a violinist and composer, and we are
sure many will remember the treat he afforded the musical
folks in Peterhead on the occasion of his giving his first
recital, some two years ago. If the recital then was a
success, as was agreed to by all present, we have no hesitation
in pronouncing the recital of Thursday as a still more com¬
plete and enjoyable entertainment. The selections played
were all of the very highest order in each class to which
they belonged, as the following copy of the evening’s pro¬
gramme will show :—
Part I.
1. Overture—“ Figaro,” ..... Mozart.
2. Violin Solo—=“ O’a’the airts,” . . Marshall.
3. Flute Solo—“Du! Du!” . . . T. Boehm.
4. Scotch Selection—“Auld Robin Gray,” “Mrs Scott
Skinner,” Strathspey “Miller o’ Hirn,” and
“Auld Wheel,” Scott Skinner.
5. Violin Solo—Seventh Air in E major, . Be Beriot.
6. Duet—“Deh! Conte,” from “Norma,” . . Bellini.
7. Violin Solo—“ Air Varie,” Op. 10, . . . P. Bode.
8. Rondo—“ Pizzicato,” .... Paganini.

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