James Oswald came from a humble Scottish background, yet ended his days with the trappings of upper class English country life. In between he had a career which involved almost every area of the 18th century music business, including publishing, teaching, concert promotion, performing and dancing as well as composing. Recent research (much of it by Heather Melvill, who has connections with Oswald's family) has given us a clearer picture of his unusual life, even if some mysteries still remain.
- Jeremy Barlow