The Mandolin in London

Description

The Ensemble Artemandoline, directed by Juan Carlos Munoz and Mari Fe Pavón, explores the growing popularity of the mandolin in Great Britain during the 18th century. Influenced by Italian composers and musicians who traveled to the British Isles to perform and teach, the mandolin became an important instrument in operas, concert halls, and private (royal) residences. Artemandoline's new recording presents rare gems from this era, including instrumental works for solo mandolin and ensemble, as well as for baroque mandolin and soprano. It features sonatas by figures such as Giovanni Francesco Weber (1724-1751), Francesco Bartolomeo Conti (1681-1732), and Carlo Arrigoni (1697-1744), along with lively gigues by Girolamo Stabilini (1762-1815) and enchanting canzonettas by Girolamo Nonnini (c. 1730-c-1790). These composers, renowned for their virtuosity on the mandolin, greatly contributed to shaping the instrument's musical legacy.