Three Scottish Songs for Horn Quartet

The origins of Scottish traditional music date back to at least the late Middle Ages, with songs passed down orally until many of the songs were published in collections in the 18th century. Scotland’s “National Poet” Robert Burns (1759-1796) famously collected Scottish folk songs and adapted many of the melodies to include his poetry. Three of the most famous Scottish songs are included in this collection of three arrangements for horn quartet.

Bluebells of Scotland was most famously used by Arthur Pryor in his piece “Blue Bells of Scotland” for solo trombone and band. There are a few different versions of the melody Turn Again, Thou Fair Elisa, but the melody Robert Burns used (as published in the 1903 edition of “The Songs of Robert Burns”) is arguably the most beautiful. The timeless song Annie Laurie describes the ill-fated romance between Scottish soldier William Douglas and Annie Laurie, the young daughter of a British aristocrat. The music is often attributed to Lady John Scott (1810-1900).

The long soaring melodies and bagpipe-style drones of these songs work beautifully for horn quartet. These arrangements are ideal for weddings, preludes, funerals, and any recital.