1900s MANDOLIN Orchestra repertoire

[jimmy powells]

With so many articles over the years on Gibson and other mandolins of the period in time when Mandolin Orchestras were very much a major part of American entertainment, there seems to be little mention of the repertoire of such orchestras.

Be interested to hear of such repertoires. e.g. Would some have been all instrumental or I imagine solo singers with the band accompanying

Any info of general interest.

[multidon]

If you use the Search function to find a 2006 thread entitled” U.S. mando orchestra repertoire” you will find exactly what you’re looking for. There are very long lists of specific songs, composers, and arrangers there. It seems that the selection of music varied somewhat regionally, but generally speaking the emphasis was on “light classics” (Mozart “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”, Haydn “Water Music”, Vivaldi Violin concerti, and the like. Some also did arrangements of popular folk tunes (Stephen Foster, et.al.) and ragtime (Scott Joplin and others). But if you can find the above thread it will be a treasure trove on much more specific information for you.

[Mandolin Cafe]

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...tra-repertoire

[Pittsburgh Bill]

Several good mandolin orchestras through out the US. I happen to be partial to the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra.
Visit their websites and you will find a plethora of information including cd's available for purchase.
A four (or more) section mandolin orchestra is an audible delight to a mandolin lover. My interest in mandolin orchestras has accelerated my already growing interest in classical music while expanding my appreciation to more than folk, rock N roll, country, show tunes, rockabilly, and jazz that defined my musical interests through out most of my lifetime.

[jimmy powells]

Thanks you for the replies. I was meaning mostly 1900-1930 and I followed the link and am now more aware of some of the pieces.

I'll now explore further just out of interest.