SCOTTISH MUSIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9023, 31 October 1892, Page 3

SCOTTISH MUSIC.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, have only just seen Mr. Mcßa's interesting letter on Scottish music. My authority for stating that the " Pibroch o' Donal Dhu" had resounded in old days " as a signal to the gathering of the clans" was Colin Brown (Filling lecturer on Music) of Anderson's College, Glasgow. I do not myself see why the bagpipes might not have been used for this purpose as well as the drums of Ambrim, but I am not competent to discuss the question with a gentleman who has evidently made pibroch music a life's study. I may, however, be allowed to question the historical accuracy of Mr. Mcßa's statement as to the " Pibroch of Donal Dhu" having been always confined to the Clan Cameron. That i-t was 30 at a comparatively modern date cannot be questioned. But it must be noticed that the tune was played at the battle of Inverlocky in 1431 (the date is Sir W. Scott's), and that the chief who commanded the winning forces, Donald Balloch, was a Macdonald. It does not appear that the clan Cameron was engaged at all, unless they were amongst the Royal troops commanded by the Earls of Mart- and Caithness. So that the tune was common property at that time. There was, as far as I can make out, no kinship between the Macdonalds and the Camerons. The former, with other western clans, were descended from "Con of the hundred battles," while the Camerons claim descent from Ferchar Macfaradaig. (Hearn's Aryan Household.) It is undoubted that at a later period the tune belonged solely to the Camerons, and it may be that the whole question, like many other historical puzzles, is simply one of chronology. However, I have stated my authority, and leave the question there. I avail myself of this opportunity of thanking Mr. Mcßafor the gratifying expressions he has used in reference to my efforts to excite interest in a subject which has long commanded my admiration.— I am, &c., F. D. Fento.y. Kaipara, October 25.