The Hardie Press

Music publishers and distributors of music books, Edinburgh

James Oswald (c.1711-1769)

James Oswald was born in Crail, Fife, and was 18th century Scotland's most prolific and successful composer. After some years in Edinburgh he settled in London (1741-c.1763) pursuing a career as composer, cellist, teacher and publisher. In later life he was chamber-composer to George III. Two of his most notable works are the 'Airs for the Seasons' (1755-61), a set of 96 short sonatas and 'The Caledonian Pocket Companion', a collection of Scottish melodies in 12 books.