Stuart Samson MBE has released his second book of original music. The book – digital only – comes a decade after his acclaimed Lands of Bens and Glens and Heroes collection and has been compiled and produced during the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Pipe Major of The Gordon Highlanders and then, after amalgamation, with The Highlanders, has 56 original compositions in his new book, called the Parkgrove Collection.
After leaving the armed forces, Stuart worked at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, teaching the degree students on the Royal Conservatoire BMus (Traditional Music – Piping) degree course. He is senior judge for the Solo Piping Judges Association. Stuart now lives near Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Scotland. He is a recent member of the Atholl Highlanders, the Duke of Atholl’s private ceremonial regiment, based “over the hills” in nearby Blair Atholl.
Stuart said: “Although I have been accumulating compositions since 2011, it is only during 2020 that I have been able to complete the works and bring this book to fruition.
“You will understand the circumstances that have existed for us all during recent times and, although it has been a testing experience, working on this book has given me the opportunity to engage with the process without my attention being distracted elsewhere. It has been hard and challenging work, but it has also given me a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction.”
Stuart Samson competed as a solo piper at the highest levels and for many years was the senior Pipe Major of the British Army.
The collection includes two pieces of ceòl mòr composed by Stuart, Farewell to the Reedmaker and The Flame of Remembrance.
The book can be purchased, priced £20.00 from Stuart’s website, www.sdsamsonmusic.com
