The Scottish Violinist (book)
One of the best known and all time greats of Scottish fiddle music as both performer and composer James Scott Skinner (1843 - 1927) wrote many books of fiddle music. He began playing fiddle by ear as a boy but then was offered classical tuition. His technique developed and he became one of the outstanding players of his day. From humble beginnings as a dancing master he went on to play at huge venues such as the London Palladium, sharing the bill sometimes with Harry Lauder.
Skinner wrote over 600 tunes many of which are still very popular in the Scottish repertoire and contained in this book such as The Bonnie Lass of Bon Accord, The £10 fiddle, Cradle Song, The Flower of the Quern, etc. He lived long enough to have his music preserved on early recordings and from these we can hear what an amazing fiddler he was. He is buried in Aberdeen where the city erected a memorial in his honour. This book is full of his well known solos and has been a best seller for many years.