John Purser

Dr John Purser, born in 1942 in Glasgow, Scotland, is an eminent composer, musicologist, historian and writer.cover notes from "Scotland's Music" CD] [ [http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/smo/naidheachd/fiosan/cursaciuil_b.htm Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - News] ]

He initiated the reconstruction which commenced in 1991 of the Iron Age Deskford Carnyx, producing a replica which was first played in 1993 by trombonist John Kenny. [ [http://www.shamrockirishmusic.org/id15.html The Carnyx, an Ancient Instrument] ]

The book "Scotland's Music" [Purser, John, "Scotland's Music: A History of the Traditional and Classical Music of Scotland from the Earliest Times to the Present Day", Mainstream Publishing 1992 ISBN 1-85158-426-9] published in March 1992 (new edition October 2007), provided a major reference work on musical history from the Bronze Age to the present. It was followed by a thirty programme radio series of the same title which he wrote and presented, broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and totalling 45 hours, with recordings commissioned for the series including reconstructions of early music and works by many little known composers. A double CD was subsequently produced with a small selection of the music. His work has contributed to a revival of interest in such composers as John Clerk of Penicuik [ [http://www.concal.org/clerk.htm John Clerk of Penicuik (1676-1755)] , Concerto Caledonia] and John Thomson.

His plays include the radio play "Carver" about Robert Carver, the 16th century Scottish composer of church music.

External links

* [http://www.carnyxscotland.co.uk/carnyxco/lecture.htm#Cry Carnyx & Co.]

References