Divisions on a Scots Ground

Description

These Divisions on a Scots Ground for recorder quartet are based on a set of divisions for solo recorder and bass in the Division Flute (1706), and on those by the famous eighteenth century Irish harpist and composer, Turlough O’Carolan. The repeating bass line of the traditional ‘ground’ bass made an ideal sequence over which musicians could improvise, and the melody associated with this particular ground became very popular. The tune appears as early as the mid-seventeenth century in John Playford’s The Dancing Master.

The tune is also known as Johney, Cock Thy Beaver, referring to a type of gentleman’s hat of the era; later in the century the Scots poet Robert Burns wrote words for the tune.

In this enjoyable arrangement, all four parts are of moderate difficulty with a minimum of technical challenges. The bottom part (Bass) can be played or doubled on a Great Bass to good effect; this part is supplied in both Treble and Bass clef.

Audio Excerpt