The Musical Lives of Charles Macklean

In April 1742, Handel's Messiah received its first performance in Dublin. Among the performers engaged for Handel's celebrated Irish season was the Scottish violinist and organist Charles Macklean, a figure whose remarkable story has only recently come to light. Through sonatas, Scots tunes and vocal music, The Curious Collection traces Macklean's career across Scotland, England and Ireland, revealing a musician equally at home in Italianate sonatas and Scottish fiddle music. Following his journey from Edinburgh and Montrose to London and Dublin, the programme explores the rich and interconnected musical world of the eighteenth century.

Programme:
Handel 'Rejoice Greatly' (Dublin version)
Handel Black Joke Song setting (arr. McGregor); lyrics: 'Lo in our Town what Raree Show' (Dublin, 1731)
Charles Macklean Variations from the Macfarlane manuscript, 1740
Lorenzo Bocchi Vivace from Cello Sonata in C major, Op. 1 No. 9
Charles Macklean Violin Sonata in A minor, Op. 1 No. 4
Purcell 'Twas Within a Furlong of Edinburgh Town, from The Mock Marriage (Z 605/2); lyrics: Thomas D'Urfey
Charles Macklean Variation sonata (Macfarlane manuscript, 1740)
Handel 'I Know That My Redeemer Liveth' from Messiah
Charles Macklean Variations on the Gavotta from Corelli's Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 9 (McGibbon manuscript, c. 1742)
James Oswald The Birks of Invermay, from A Collection of the Best Old Scotch and English Songs (London, 1761)
Charles Macklean Variation sonata from A Collection of Favourite Scots Tunes (Edinburgh, c. 1773)
Charles Macklean (?) Va Mancator di Fe (British Library Add MS 71244, c. 1735–45)
Handel 'Let the Bright Seraphim' from Samson (HWV 57)

Performers:
Mhairi Lawson soprano
Aaron McGregor violin
Allison McGillivray cello
Will Cole harpsichord

Supported by Creative Scotland, The Radcliffe, Cockaigne and Fidelio Charitable Trusts.