Nathaniel Gow

Nathaniel Gow (28 May 1763 – 19 January 1831 ) was a Scottish musician who was the fourth son of Niel Gow, and a celebrated performer, composer and arranger of tunes, songs and other pieces on his own right. He wrote about 200 compositions including the popular "Caller Herrin'".

Early life

Nathaniel was born to Niel Gow and Margaret Wiseman, at Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 28 May 1763; with brothers William, John, and Andrew also showing early musical talent. He was taught the fiddle at first by his father, but was soon sent to Edinburgh where he was taught successively by Robert "Red Rob" Mackintosh, the fiddler Alexander McGlashan, and his elder brother William Gow. He also learnt the cello under Joseph Reinagle. In 1782 he was appointed as one of His Majesty's herald trumpeters for Scotland.

Between 1799 and 1824, he published a significant number of collections of tunes, including some by Scottish composer Magdalene Stirling.

Gow played for King George IV at the Royal Caledonian Hunt ball during his visit to Scotland in 1822.

Later life

He married twice, and had five daughters and one son by his first wife, Janet Fraser. followed in the family profession, and became a teacher of music in Edinburgh. and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.