James Oswald

8 Airs

Selections from James Oswald's Airs for the Four Seasons, arranged for Two Flutes (or Violins) and Cello by Jan Boland. Scottish composer James Oswald (1711-1769) was known for writing fluently in both the 'Scottish' and the 'classical' idioms. His 'Airs for the Four Seasons,' published in circa 1755, is an excellent example of the merging of the Celtic and the Baroque. There are 48 works originally included in this publication (divided into four groups: winter, spring, summer and fall), each is named for a flower and contains two or three short movements.

The eight works in this edition, arranged by Jan Boland, were selected from the original 48 for their character and hints of Celtic influence. They are set for this publication for 2 flutes (or violins) and cello, and are a great chamber music complement to the London Trios of Franz Joseph Haydn. The eight pieces are included: The Pink, The Lilly, The Poppy, The Marigold, The Belvedere, The Marvel of Peru, The Snow Drop, and The Tulip.