Scottish Music Centre - Industry Directory

Artists | Classical | Composers and Arrangers

Leading publisher and composer who began his working life as a dancing instructor in Dunfermline. In 1736, he became involved in the Edinburgh musical scene and was active as a singer, composer and concert promoter. In 1741, he moved to London and set up his own [ublishing compnay specialising in printed popular music. Publications included Caledonian Pocket Companion, a collection of Scottish folk songs; and several books of fiddle variations on Scottish folk tunes. The books included many original pieces by the composer himself the were signed as David Rizzio (secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots). Oswald was also a member of the London composer's secret society, The Temple of Apollo, whose membership also included Charles Burney and John Reid.