John Gunn (Scottish writer)

Gunn was born in Edinburgh about 1765. Gunn taught violoncello and flute in Cambridge. From 1789 he was in London for several years, making studies in languages and history in his leisure moments. He wrote at Cambridge his Treatise on the Origin of Stringed Instruments, and published it with his Theory and Practice of Fingering the Violoncello, with Examples, about 1789. Forty favourite Scotch Airs adapted for Violin, Violoncello, or Flute followed as a supplement to that work. In 1790 Gunn translated from the Italian A. D. R. Borghese's New and General System of Music (originally published in French, 1788, Paris).

In 1795 Gunn returned to Edinburgh. An Essay on Harmony … adapted to the Violoncello was brought out at Edinburgh, 1801. About this time Gunn married Ann Young, a pianist, and author of Elements of Music, An Introduction to Music, and some ingenious musical games.

In 1805 General Robertson of Lude, Perthshire, sent 2 harps, including what is now known as the Queen Mary Harp to the Highland Society of Scotland, in Edinburgh, The Society commissioned Gunn to inspect the instruments, and he read his report on the harp to the Society later that year. This paper was printed by their desire in 1807 as An Historical Enquiry respecting the performances of the Harp in the Highlands of Scotland, from the earliest times till it was discontinued about 1734, &c., 4to, Edinburgh. This is a valuable contribution to the history of music, and it is unfortunate that the author did not carry out his intention of writing an inquiry into the antiquity of the harp. Other works by Gunn were The Art of Playing the Flute and The School for the German Flute.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Gunn, John". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.