Annotation:Marchioness of Huntly's Favorite (1) (The)

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MARCHIONESS OF HUNTLY'S FAVORITE [1], THE. Scottish, Slow Air (4/4 time). C Minor. Standard tuning (fiddle). AB. Composed by Biography:William Marshall (1748-1833).

His 1822 Collection was dedicated to the Marchioness, Elizabeth Brodie [1] (1794-1864), who was wife to George (1770-1836), Marquis of Huntly and the future 5th Duke of Gordon. Despite a number of tunes composed in her honor, Hunter (1988) says she was more partial to psalms and hymn tunes than dance music. Shy and reserved, she was, however, a fine pianist, to the delight of her husband. Sir Walter Scott remarked that she played Scottish tunes "like a Highland angel" (A.M. Stuart, Life and letters of Elisabeth, last duchess of Gordon, 1865, p. 67). When given the chance to manage her husband's financial affairs, she proved to be an excellent businesswoman. See Annotation:Marchioness of Huntly (1) (The) for more.

A Scottish fiddler and composer, Marshall is most famous for his many fine strathspeys. Marshall worked for much of his life for Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon, as the Steward of his Household, and was intimately acquainted with the Gordon family. It is fortunate that the Duke was an enthusiastic supporter and patron of Marshall's music.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Hardie (Caledonian Companion), 1992; p. 92. Hunter (Fiddle Music of Scotland), 1988; No. 63. Marshall, Fiddlecase Edition, 1978; 1822 Collection, p. 27.

Recorded sources: