The accessibility and consequent popularity of Scottish music is noted by every commentator on the subject, and, although much of it may be short of intellectual rigour, its place in musical history is vital. The musical public sought to bring elements of the Scottish musical tradition into their homes, encapsulated within the latest musical forms. For some it was an expression of their nationalist pride, but for others it was merely an accessible method of enjoying a good tune. ©2001 Claire Nelson
Within a Mile of Edinburgh
Thou art gane awa'
Loch Eroch Side
'Twas within a mile of Edinburgh town, In the rosy time of the year, Sweet flowers bloom'd, and the grass was down, And each shepherd woo'd his dear: Bonny Jockey, blyth and gay, Kiss'd sweet Jenny making hay, The lassie blush'd, and frowning cry'd, 'No, no, it will not do, I cannot, cannot, wonnot, wonnot, mannot buckle too.'
Thou art gane awa thou art gane awa, Thou art gane awa frae me Mary, Nor friends nor I could make thee stay, Thou hast cheated them and me Mary. Until this hour I never thought That ought could alter thee, Mary, Thou'rt still the Mistress of my heart, Think what you will of me, Mary.
As I came by Loch Eroch side, The lofty hills surveying, The water clear, the heather blooms Their fragrance sweet conveying, I met, unsought,my lovely maid, I found her like May morning; With Graces sweet, and Charms so rare, Her Person all adorning.
What e'er he said or might pretent, That staw that heart o' thine, Mary; True love I'm sure was ne'er his end, Or nae sic love as mine, Mary. I spake sincere nor flatter'd much, Nae selfish thought in me Mary, Ambition, wealth, nor naething such; No, I lov'd only thee, Mary.
How kind her looks, how blest was I, While in my arms I press'd her! And she her wishes scarce conceald, As fondly I caress'd her. She said, 'If that your heart be true, If constantly you'll love me, I heed not cares, nor fortune's frowns; Nor ought but death shall move me.
Tho' you've been false, yet while I live I'll lo'e nae maid but thee, Mary: Let friends forget, as I forgive Thy wrangs to them and me, Mary. So then fareweel! of this be sure, Since you've been false to me, Mary; For a' the world I'd not endure; Half what I've done for thee, Mary.
But faithful, loving, true and kind, Forever you shall find me; And of our meeting here so sweet, Loch Eroch Side will mind me. Enraptur'd then, “My Lovely Lass!” I cry'd, “no more we'll tarry We'll leave the fair Loch Eroch Side For Lovers soon should marry.”
Jockey was a wag that never would wed, Tho' long he had follow'd the lass, Contented she earn'd and eat her brown bread, And merrily turn'd up the grass. Bonny Jockey, blyth and free, Won her heart right merrily, Yet still she blush'd, and frowning cry'd, 'No, no, it will not do, I cannot, cannot, wonnot, wonnot, mannot buckle too.'
T
he two extant square pianos by Andrew Rochead in the Russell Collection of Early Keyboards are fine examples of a regional piano building tradition during a period of flourishment. Rochead's Castlehill shop relocated to No. 4 Greenside Place in Edinburgh's fashionable New Town around the turn of the century; in addition to a showy display of Rochead’s handicraft was a plentiful supply of sheet music printed on-site (Rochead printed Corri’s variations on The Banks of Doon heard here). The c.1805 piano heard in this recording has a design and exterior that resembles contemporary square pianos built by the London firm of Broadwood; it is fitted with a pedal, brass underdampers, a treble hammer slot, and a rear wrestplank. Despite lavish mahogany marquetry and filigree cutouts, its design is highly economical, permitting a dulcet singing quality throughout its registers, making it the ideal drawing-room instrument.
But when he vow'd, he wou'd make her his bride, Tho' his flocks and herds were not few, She gave him her hand, and a kiss beside, And vow'd, she'd forever be true. Bonny Jockey, blyth and free, Won her heart right merrily; At church she no more frowning cry'd, 'No, no, it will not do, I cannot, cannot, wonnot, wonnot, mannot buckle too.'
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