On this page I will assemble mp3 recordings and videos of music from the publications and manuscripts I have located (mainly) in Scotland. At the foot of the page there are also links to free scores and sites of interest, as well as a LOT of information about the publications and manuscripts.
You can read more about the Guittar on my cittern page (some argue it is a cittern) but I will be moving some of that info to here in the future.
Please do not write to me asking for scores. I will upload to this page for free all those copies I have permission to share.
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Twelve Divertimentis for the Guittar – by James Oswald, 1759
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From…
“A Select Collection of
Lessons, Airs, Marches, Minuets,
Reels, Jiggs & With the most favourite Songs, for the Guittar
By Robert Ross, Edinburgh” c.1765
[There are no instructions in my copy, just the cover, then straight into the tunes. There are 56 pages, half solos, half songs.]
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Complete Robert Bremner Instructions, Edinburgh 1758.
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VIDEOS
Jack Lattin, The East Nook Of Fife, Comely Garden Reel
– from Jean Kirkpatrick MS
Roslin Castle, Maggie Lauder, Oer Bogie
– from Jean Kirkpatrick MS
Carrick Fergus, The Parson And His Boots, St Patrick’s Day In The Morning
– from Jean Kirkpatrick MS
Lochaber – from Robert Bremner’s Instructions, Edinburgh 1758
I Love My Love In Secret – from the Nisbet House Manuscript
Tweed Side and Birks of Envermay from Robert Bremner’s Instructions, Edinburgh 1758
Fishers Minuet – Robert Ross’ Select Collection
Giordanis’ Minuet – Robert Ross’ Select Collection
Minuet – Robert Ross’ Select Collection
Air by Mr Rush – Robert Ross’ Select Collection
I Love My Love In Secret – Nisbet ms
Divertimento No.4 – James Oswald
Three Pieces from Robert Bremner’s Instructions
Complete Twelve Divertimentis for the Guittar by James Oswald (video lasts for 1 hour)
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LINKS
[more links to follow]
Free Scores:
Twelve Divertimentis for Guittar (PDF) and Newly Engraved [Internet Link] by James Oswald
Instructions for the Guitar (PDF) by Robert Bremner
18 Divertimentos for Two Guitars or Mandelins (internet Link) by James Oswald
18 Duettinos for Two Guittars (Internet Link) by William Bates
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PUBLICATIONS
Manuscripts
Guittar in G
There existed a larger guittar, tuned to a G Major chord. Info and videos HERE.
Guitar Links HERE
Guittar Scores HERE
Rob MacKillop ~ Musician 
Hello Rob, I’ve been forced to change the hosting links for the Oswald and Bates music that you are linking to here. The old ones still work, but not for long. Here are the new links:
Oswald 12: http://www.mandotopia.com/oswald/oswald12.htm
Oswald 18: http://www.mandotopia.com/oswald/oswald18.htm
Bates 18: http://www.mandotopia.com/bates/bates18home.htm
Cheers, John Goodin
Thanks for informing me, John. I hope all is well.
Rob
Rob, things are good here in northeast Iowa. It looks like you are staying pretty busy yourself! – John
Dear Rob! I Love your work in every way, very inspiring!
Do you know how to obtain an english (or scottish) guittar? Im a classical guitarist/ folkmusician who plays with a cembalist on occasion, so the geminiani/ giordani repertory is obviously of great interest, but it just doesn’t work on a regular guitar. Any help world be appreciated!
Best wishes from sweden!
Fredrik Mårtensson
Hi Frederik. Thanks for your nice comments! I agree that the modern guitar is completely inappropriate for this music. You are in luck: run along to
http://www.instrumentspast.co.uk/lutes.html
There are two guittars there right now! They will go fast.
Your website is a great resource and your playing is an inspiration! Thanks to the links provided, i’ve been working up versions on the charango—-so far, the music fits almost perfectly on that instrument…great fun! (After all, that’s what ‘divertimentis’ means 🙂
Cheers, Dan. Good to hear you are not tied to just hearing these things on one instrument. Good luck.
Mr. MacKillop; I have an English Guittar and am trying to learn. I do not yet read music, and so am starting by playing by ear. I so enjoy listening to a skilled musician play this wonderful early instruments and these compositions–and for your willingness to share what you have learned. Would it be possible to post a simple video showing how this instrument should sound,– string by string, and in the whole — when tuned, so that I may at least start with a rudimentary understanding of the proper sound? That would be so very helpful, for a beginner…. Best regards, and thanks again for what you share.
Hi Kathy. Congratulations on finding an original “guittar’! I’d prefer if you booked a Zoom lesson with me – I have students in many parts of the world. See my Tuition page: https://robmackillop.net/tuition/ You will probably only need one lesson. Cheers, Rob
Hi Rob, hope you’re doing well! I was wondering if you thought I could use a Portuguese guitar in place of an English guittar. I don’t know where to find an English guittar and I’d love to explore some of this repertoire. Thanks!
Believe me, it doesn’t work very well. I’ve tried! But there is no other way. I have a guittar in G Major for sale, if you are interested, for £1,000 plus shipping. Rob
I am interested! Can you send any pic, info, etc to me at jaycee14513@gmail.com? Much appreciated!
Message sent.