In 2007 Simon Thoumire was commissioned by Creative Scotland to compose a Scots Fiddle Concerto which would be debuted at the Scots Fiddle Festival in November 2007. The concept was to write virtuosic music that showed of the skills of the Scottish fiddler to the world. The musician also uses their own ornamentation throughout the piece which makes the music sound like the fiddler and not the composer.
The initial brief was to write one fiddle concerto however this turned into 3 fiddle solos, a duet and fiddle concerto! They all have links to traditional tunes. If you would like to have a play the pieces click on the links below. You can also hear recordings of the music as well.
Scots Fiddle Concerto
This is written for fiddle(s), piano and guitar. It was performed by Gordon Gunn on lead fiddle with Lori Watson and Sarah Wilson (fiddle), Dave Milligan (piano) and Kevin Mackenzie (guitar).
A’ cheud luan do’n raidh (The First Monday of the Season)
This is a fiddle duet and based on the tune A’ cheud luan do’n raids. It was originally performed by Aidan O’Rourke and Patsy Reid.
Tiree Air
This music is based on the tune Tiree Air. It was originally performed by Jenna Reid and has been played since by Shona Mooney.
Allan Ramsay, a jig
This is a jig based on the tune Allan Ramsay. It was originally performed by Aidan O’Rourke.
A fonn gunbhitrom (I am disposed to mirth)
Again this was based on the above tune. This was the very first piece written in the series and originally performed by Mairi Campbell.
If you have any questions about this music you can contact Simon.