Suita Argentina

[John Craton]

Could anyone tell me who publishes the Suita Argentina by Luis Gianneo? A full score would do, but a mandolin/pf reduction would be even better.

[RSW]

A few years ago I did some research on this 'elusive' piece. I had contacted a leading Argentinian musicologist and he even contacted surviving family of the composer. The conclusion seems to be that Gianneo did not write a specific piece for mandolin. The music that was recorded by an equally 'elusive' German mandolinist Jacob Thomas (who transplanted himself in South America sometime in 2nd half of the last century) is most likely an orchestral (chamber orchestra) setting of a few short pieces that Gianneo had originally written for violin and piano. I have this music and it plays nicely on the mandolin. Contact me directly if you would like a copy. I believe most of Gianneo's music was published by Ricordi.

[John Craton]

most likely an orchestral (chamber orchestra) setting of a few short pieces that Gianneo had originally written for violin and piano.

Thanks for the info, RSW, and for your diligence in trying to ferret out this score. I've sent you a private message, but wanted to add a little here.

It's very interesting that this work was originally for violin and piano. According to the liner notes on the recording I have, the piece was supposedly composed for #Jacob Thomas, a mandolinist friend of the composer who also performs it on the album I have (MHS 1047). That would seem to imply that the work was written (or at least at some point arranged) by Gianneo for mandolin and chamber orchestra. Or could Thomas just be doing a little name dropping for the liner notes? It could be that Thomas was also a violinist (he wouldn't be the first to play both instruments, as I too began as a violinist) and received the dedication for that instrument, later arranging it for mandolin himself.

Regardless it's history, the suite is a very nice work that should be heard more often.

[margora]

I agree with the above, and, RSW, I would like to see whatever score you might have!