Instrument: Mandolin

Philharmonia Orchestra Video Podcasts

In this film, Nigel Woodhouse introduces the mandolin. The mandolin has been used by many composers across the centuries to give special colour to the orchestra, often evoking folk music.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:00 Orchestral Extract: Mozart, Don Giovanni, Deh, vieni, alla finestra

00:46 Composers who wrote for the mandolin

01:08 The Neopolitan mandolin

02:00 The origins of the mandolin

03:05 Mandolin vs Violin – Similarities and Differences

04:33 Playing the mandolin – The Frets

05:19 Playing the mandolin – Chords

05:55 Playing the mandolin – The Plectrum

06:18 Playing the mandolin – Sustaining the Sound

06:46 Orchestral extract: Antonio Vivaldi, Mandolin Concerto in C major

07:53 Development of string materials, from gut to metal

08:48 Tremolo Technique

09:56 Orchestral extract: Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 7

10:44 The Duo Style

11:47 Development of the mandolin – Extending the range

12:04 Orchestral extract: Sergei Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet, Aubade

12:39 Orchestral extract: Stravinsky, Agon, Galliarde

13:28 Orchestral extract: Webern, Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 10

14:11 Orchestral extract: Ottorino Respighi, Roman Festivals

15:13 The American Mandolin

16:57 Musical example: Kesh Jig – trad. Irish

18:07 Bluegrass style

18:51 How the mandolin got its name

19:12 Harmonics

19:56 String tension and finger maintenance

20:24 How Nigel started playing the mandolin

20:55 Tips for getting started on the mandolin

Learn all about the instruments of the orchestra in our Instruments playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCyccs5J639SCefaM7mD9dMSz