David Foulis: Six Sonatas for Violin and Keyboard

David Foulis: Six Sonatas for Violin and Keyboard, edited by Muriel Brown.

• Sonata I in E flat major

• Sonata II in F major

• Sonata III in E major

• Sonata IV in C major

• Sonata V in A major

• Sonata VI in B flat major

David Foulis (1710-1773) was born at Woodhall near Edinburgh into a distinguished Scottish legal family. He studied medicine in Edinburgh, then Leyden (Holland) and Rheims (France) in the early 1730s. He probably received some musical training while on the continent - Leyden was a place of considerable musical activity - and became acquainted with the large repertory of violin music which was being published, especially in Holland.

Foulis returned to practice in Edinburgh, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1737. He took an active part in the musical life of Edinburgh and in 1737 was elected a member and later a committee member of the Edinburgh Musical Society and probably played the violin in their weekly concerts.

From about 1750 Foulis' health and fortunes declined and, apparently neglected by his kinsmen, he died in poverty, though respected to the end by his professional colleagues.

Foulis' Six Violin Sonatas are delightful examples of eighteenth century music by a Scottish composer writing in the Italian style. They are beautifully conceived for the violin, and while they are within the ability of the skilled amateur, they are also an important addition to the recital repertoire. The original title-page readers 'Six Solos for the Violin, with a Bass for a Violoncello or Harpsichord. Composed by a Gentleman. Inscribed to the Honourable Francis Charteris, Esq; of Misfield.'