Question for classical players

[garyblanchard]

I am returning to my interest is composing "neoclassical" music. I write a lot for string quartet, but would like to maybe try some stuff for mandolin as well.

What I would like to know is:
1) Are there instruments that are more likely to be used along with mandolin in classical music?

2) What clef is the music generally written on? Treble, or Alto?

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

[Neil Gladd]

Mandolin and guitar is the most popular now, but in the past there was more written for mandolin and piano. Other combinations with existing repertoire: mandolin and (bowed) strings (trios, quartets, and concertos for mandolin with string orchestra), mandolin and voice (Mozart), mandolin and harpsichord (All the baroque sonatas, and 4 pieces by Beethoven). You can write whatever you want, but when I gave the U.S. premiere of a trio for mandolin, piccolo and xylophone, that was only the 5th performance it had gotten in 30 years. Take the hint... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[garyblanchard]

You can write whatever you want, but when I gave the U.S. premiere of a trio for mandolin, piccolo and xylophone, that was only the 5th performance it had gotten in 30 years. Take the hint... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
That is exactly why I thought I would ask. As an intuitive, untrained composer, it is hard enough getting my music performed; no sense in making it harder with strange combinations.

Thanks for the info.

[Neil Gladd]

2) What clef is the music generally written on? Treble, or Alto?
I forgot to answer this part: treble clef.

[Martin Jonas]

Well, you could of course write for the plucked string quartet, of which there are two variants: the quartetto classico, which is the direct equivalent to the bowed string quartet and consists of two mandolins, alto mandola (CGDA) and mandocello; or the quartetto romantico, consisting of two mandolins, tenor mandola (GDAE) and guitar. The first one is able to play scores for bowed string quartet without changes, and therefore may be a good place for you if you already have some experience with writing for bowed quartets. However, the second one is the more commonly found line-up, with guitar players being distinctly more abundant than mandocellists. The esteemed Victor Kioulaphides has been on a sustained campaign to promote the quartetto classico -- why not join him?

Martin

[garyblanchard]

Very good idea. I'll look into that. The quartetto classico sounds nice, but I could see that it might be hard to find enough players. I really appreciate everyone's answers.