margora
Feb-19-2004, 10:33am
Following Neil Gladd's advice in a column in Mandolin Quarterly some years back, I routinely "clean out the mandolin bin" at the local Tower Records. Last night's cleaning yielded a copy of Robert Lombardo, "Music for Mandolin" newly released on Albany Records. The music on this CD is fantastic -- intricate, rhythmically complex, not really tonal but not atonal either, very accessible. There are two pieces for solo mandolin; one for mandolin and marimba; a set for mandolin and soprano; another for mandolin, soprano, guitar, and harp; and a 20 minute concerto for mandolin and chamber orchestra. The performances throughout are superb and the recording is superb as well. The mandolinist is Dimitris Marionos (from Greece) and his mandolin, a bowlback (very beautiful, judging from the photo), was made by Charalambros Kleftogiannis (also, presumably from Greece). The composer taught at Roosevelt University for many years and is now emeritus. I believe you can order a copy off the website, www.albanyrecords.com. VERY highly recommended.
Victor: do you know Marinos or his luthier?
Victor: do you know Marinos or his luthier?