The Fiddle in Scottish Culture

Exploring its rich and multifaceted tradition, this recollection details the functions and place of the fiddle in society using a variety of untapped resources, such as poetry by lesser-known writers, newspaper accounts, oral legends, and works of art. Starting with the introduction of the instrument in the latter part of the 17th century, this examination discusses fiddling at fairs and in processions, blind fiddlers, the lost art of singing while playing, fiddlers' roles at weddings, and the legends about their connection to Scotland fairies. Music for 50 fiddling tunes is included, a number of which have been culled from historical or archival sources and are rarely found in present-day repertoires.