Mapping changes to the songs in The Gentle Shepherd, 1725-1788

Robertson-Kirkland, B. E. (2020) Mapping changes to the songs in The Gentle Shepherd, 1725-1788. Studies in Scottish Literature, 46(2), pp. 103-126.

Abstract

Examines the varying ways in which the songs in Allan Ramsay's ballad-opera The Gentle Shepherd were published between the 170s and the 1780s, noting variation in how particular songs were titled, in which songs were included and how they were placed within the dramatic text, in which tunes were used for which song-texts, and in how words were related to music in editions providing both. The discussion is supported by extensive tables and lists of 18th century Ramsay editions, and illustrated with transcriptions of the music in two editions. Concludes that the addition of the music in later editions served over time to stabilize the placement of the songs within the dramatic text.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robertson-Kirkland, Dr Brianna
• Authors: Robertson-Kirkland, B. E.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Scottish Literature
• Journal Name: Studies in Scottish Literature
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
• ISSN: 0039-3770
• ISSN (Online): 0039-3770
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 University of South Carolina Press
• First Published: First published in Studies in Scottish Literature 46(2):103-126
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher