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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 99 agreement to contribute a trifle weekly towards a fund for alleviating similar cases in future. Mr. Campbell’s next and last undertaking of any note was “Albyn’s Anthology; or, a Select Collection of the Melodies and Local Poetry peculiar to Scotland and the Isles.” The first volume of this work-published by Messrs. Oliver and Boyd of Tweeddale Court-appeared in 1816, and the second in 1818. The musician had long contemplated a publication of this description. The design was associated with his early national aspirations ; and throughout many years of vicissitudes, crosses, and disappointments, he appears still to have cherished the idea of collecting the stray melodies of his native land. In the preface to the first volume, he says- This small beginning was the origin of the present useful Society. A third was intended, but did not follow. “ So far back as the year 1790, while as yet the Editor of ALBYN’SA NTHOLOGwYa s an organist to one of the Episcopal chapels in Edinburgh, he projected the present work. Finding but small encouragement at that period, and his attention being directed to other pursuits of quite a different nature, the plan dropped ; till very recently, an accidental turn of conversation at a gentleman’s table, whoin to name is to honour, the Hon. Fletcher Norton (one of the Barons of Exchequer), gave a spur to the speculation now in its career. He, with that warmth of benevolence peculiarly his own, offered his influence with the Royal Highland Society of Scotland, of which he is a member of long standing ; and, in conformity to the zeal he has uniformly manifested for everything connected with the distinction and prosperity of our ancient realm, on the Editor’s giving him a rough outline of the present undertaking, the Hon. Baron put it into the hands of Henry M‘Kenzie, Esq. of the Exchequer, and Lord Bannatyne, whose influence in the Society is deservedly great. And immediately on Mr. M‘Kenzie laying it before a select committee for music, John H. Forbes, Esq. (Lord Medwyn), advocate, as convener of the committee, convened it ; and the result was a recommendation to the Society at largg, who embraced the project cordially ; voted a sum to enable the Editor to pursue his plan ; and forthwith he set out on a tour through the Highlands and Western Islands. Having performed a journey (in pursuit of materials for the present work) of between eleven and twelve hundred miles, in which he collected one hundred and ninety-one specimens of melodies and Gaelic vocal poetry, he returned to Edinburgh, and laid the fruits of his gleanings before the Society, who were pleased to honour with their approbation his success in attempting to collect and preserve the perishing remains of what is so closely interwoven with the history and literature of Scotland.” Among the contributors to “ Albyn’s Anthology ” appear the names of Scott, Hog, Maturin, Jamieson, Mrs. Grant, Boswell, and other distinguished individuals- several pieces are from the pen of the Editor; and a full fourth of the letterpress is devoted to Gaelic verse, in which language he seems to have been a proficient. The popular song of “ Donald Caird ” was contributed specially for the work by Sir Wdter Scott-the original MS. of which is preserved in the copy of the Anthology belonging to the nephew of the Editor. We believe the favourite air-best known by Tannahill’s song of ‘‘ Gloomy Winter’s now Awa’”--is not generally understood to have been the composition of Mr. Campbell. It appears in the Anthology to the Editor’s own words- Wakest thou, love ? or art thou sleeping?” “ Come, my bride, haste away, haste away, and is very modestly claimed in a footnote as follows :-- “The Editor, in thus claiming an early composition of his own, feels a mingled sensation of diffidence and sativfaction in venturing to insert it in a selection such as the present. But as the
Volume 9 Page 132
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