Background
Nathaniel was born to Niel Gow and Margaret Wiseman, at Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 28 May 1763.
Nathaniel was born to Niel Gow and Margaret Wiseman, at Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire, on 28 May 1763.
He wrote about 200 compositions including the popular "Caller Herrin". He also learnt the cello under Joseph Reinagle. In 1782 he was appointed as one of His Majesty"s herald trumpeters for Scotland.
In 1796 Gow started a music-selling and publishing business with William Shepherd at 41 North Bridge, Edinburgh, which continued until Shepherd"s death in 1813.
Gow became prominent as the leader of many bands, and was important at many assemblies such as the Caledonian Hunt Balls. His patron was the Duke of Atholl.
Between 1799 and 1824 he published a significant number of collections of tunes. Nathaniel Gow died on 19 January 1831, and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.