Episode 27. In Ossian's Cave
Sunday, 15th July 2007, 5.05pm, Radio Scotland
One of Scotland’s most colourful 18th century characters was Thomas Erskine, the 6th Earl of Kellie, also known as Fiddler Tam. A celebrated bon viveur who combined fun and seriousness in all aspects of his life, he took to music when he had flee Scotland after his father was imprisoned for supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie. He returned from Germany as Britain’s most up-to-date composer, and proceeded to sell off his land and have an enjoyable life on the proceeds, while also being Grand Master Mason of England and Scotland, and presiding over sex clubs in Edinburgh and Anstruther. John Purser tells his unique story.
Episode Playlist
- Musical clock plays God Save the King
BBC recording - Trad - Lord Kelly’s Reel
David Greenberg, violin
private recording - Kellie - Overture in C op1.no.2: Allegro
Concerto Caledonia/David McGuinness
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240 - Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelly - Lord Stanley's Minuet
Gerald Gifford, harpsichord
CD Georgian Harpsichord Music
Libra LRCD156 - Kellie - The Lover’s Message
Mhairi Lawson, soprano, Concerto Caledonia
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240 - Kellie - Overture in B flat ‘The Maid of the Mill’ (Periodical Overture no. 28) Allegro
Concerto Caledonia/David McGuinness
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240 - J.C. Bach - Symphony in B flat Op. 9 No. 1 Allegro con spirito
Netherlands Chamber Orchestra/David Zinman
Philips 442 276-2 - Kellie - Quartet in A (Kilravock no.9) Adagio
Concerto Caledonia
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240 - Kellie - Death Is Now My Only Treasure
Mhairi Lawson, soprano, Concerto Caledonia/David McGuinness
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240 - Kellie - Trio sonata no.6 in G Andantino
Concerto Caledonia
CD Fiddler Tam
Linn CKD240
