Patrick MacDonald, Collection of Highland Vocal Airs

Published in 1784

A collection of Gaelic song airs, set wth treble and bass. Although this is a key early collection of Gaelic song airs, because the tunes have all been tiedied up and many arranged with conventional harmonies the book does need to be used with caution. The substantial preface is of interest in showing an early attempt to understand and explain Gaelic music.

A modern performing edition for traditional musicians is available from Taigh na Teud.

Simon Chadwick