Re: Solo Mandocello Literature?
As a raw beginner with the glorious Mandocello (I recently acquired a Paul Hathway) I share the pain of finding suitable material, albeit at my stage simplicity is the main criterion. Although I dont have a problem with using (simple) cello pieces and instructional material, it would be nice to have some written for the Mandocello, and indeed to have a good tutorial book on the instrument: there must be a growing demand for that.
Just for the record, I did find one book specifically written for the mandocello. It was written by Theodor Ritter (in the 1920s I think), called Schule fur Mandoloncello. Trekel in Germany still publish it, so I ordered it largely out of curiousity. I dont speak much German but reckoned translating it would not be too onerous. However it turns out to be slim 14 page volume, mostly just a few exercises and (rather bizarrely) a transcription with guitar accompaniment of an aria from Mozarts Don Juan (sic). There is really nothing youd want to play and no technique instruction. I cant recommend it. Ah well.
There are I believe some contemporary solo pieces for Mandocello, particularly from Japanese composers, but they tend to be very advanced. And of course plenty of music for mandolin Classical Quartets (e.g. by Calace) which include mandocello parts, but require others to play with!
As Charlie says, this is not surprising since the Mandocello was developed as an ensemble instrument. But the Mandolin instrument family has proven time and again that it can evolve and adapt, so maybe the Age of the Mandocello is looming!
"To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable". Beethoven
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Angara e D'Isanto 1895 Bowlback
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Paul Hathway Mandocello
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