Glen Collection of printed music > Printed music > Collection of strathspeys, reels, marches, &c. &c.

SIR CHARLES.
With sincere respect, I thank yon for permission to preface this Tolnme of music with yonr
name. Withont your kind patronag*e and encouragement, the work had never, ( at least by
its Author) been published; and heartily' do I wish it were more worthy of your acceptance.
Not havings enjoyed the advantage, in my earlier years, of a thorougdi training* in the
theory of music, my compositions cannot claim to rank with the productions of those who
have made the science of music their study throug*h life: they are, as you, Sir Charles, and
many of my friends know, the “fruits of leisure hours.” I would, however, fain flatter
myself that the Strathspeys and Reels throug-hout the work, will be found to be composed
in that style of Dance Music most appreciated by the people of the Highlands of Aberdeen
and Banffshire.
The critic in musical composition may, for the reasons already stated find a few errors
throughout the volume; but, so far as possible, I have kept clear of the crime of plagiarism,
by aiming* at originality in the airs.
I may be permitted to say that it is no mercenary motive which has prompted me to
issue the work: I have been led to this step by the flattering* requests of you, my g*enerous
patron, than whom few* are better judg'es of the Dance Music of our country. This induce¬
ment, coupled with a strong* personal inclination to foster and cultivate, so far as my
humble abilities may, a taste for genuine Scotch music among* the young and rising loveis
of the art, must be my apology for laying my compositions before the public.
I have the honour to be,
Sir Charles,
your most humble
Castle Newe .
February, 1866.
and devoted Servant,
ALEXANDER WALKER.