"Art of the Mandolin" by Avi Avital is a captivating exploration of the mandolin's rich history and diverse musical repertoire. Released on November 13, 2020, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this 57-minute album features 17 tracks that showcase the instrument's versatility and beauty. Avi Avital, a Grammy-nominated mandolinist, curates a collection that spans from classical compositions to original works, highlighting the mandolin's unique voice in various musical contexts.
The album opens with Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G Major, RV 532, a lively and intricate piece that sets the stage for the journey ahead. It continues with a mix of solo and ensemble works, including pieces like "Death Is a Friend of Ours," which blends mandolin with harp, harpsichord, theorbo, and guitar, creating a rich and textured soundscape. The inclusion of works by lesser-known composers alongside well-loved classics offers a fresh perspective on the mandolin's capabilities.
Avital's masterful playing is evident throughout, whether he is performing solo pieces like the Prelude for Mandolin or collaborating with other instruments in compositions such as the Sonata a Tre for Mandolin, Guitar, and Harpsichord. The album's diverse repertoire and Avital's virtuosity make "Art of the Mandolin" a standout in the classical genre, offering both seasoned listeners and newcomers a chance to appreciate the mandolin's timeless appeal.
Tracks
Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G Major, RV 532: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Avi Avital, Alon Sariel, Venice Baroque Orchestra
Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G Major, RV 532: II. AndanteAntonio Vivaldi, Avi Avital, Alon Sariel, Venice Baroque Orchestra
Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G Major, RV 532: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Avi Avital, Alon Sariel, Venice Baroque Orchestra
Adagio for Mandolin and Harpsichord in E Flat Major, WoO 43b (Transcr. for Mandolin and Harp)Ludwig van Beethoven, Avi Avital, Anneleen Lenaerts
"Death Is a Friend of Ours" for Mandolin, Harp, Harpsichord, Theorbo, Guitar: I. Inside the WaveDavid Bruce, Avi Avital, Anneleen Lenaerts, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Sean Shibe
"Death Is a Friend of Ours" for Mandolin, Harp, Harpsichord, Theorbo, Guitar: II. The Death of DespairDavid Bruce, Avi Avital, Anneleen Lenaerts, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Sean Shibe
"Death Is a Friend of Ours" for Mandolin, Harp, Harpsichord, Theorbo, Guitar: III. Death Is a Friend of OursDavid Bruce, Avi Avital, Anneleen Lenaerts, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Sean Shibe
Prelude for Mandolin SoloGiovanni Sollima, Avi Avital
Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 89: I. Allegro (Transcr. for Mandolin and Basso continuo)Domenico Scarlatti, Avi Avital, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Patric Zepec
Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 89: II. Grave (Transcr. for Mandolin and Basso continuo)Domenico Scarlatti, Avi Avital, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Patric Zepec
Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 89: III. Allegro (Transcr. for Mandolin and Basso continuo)Domenico Scarlatti, Avi Avital, Yizhar Karshon, Ophira Zakai, Patric Zepec
Sonata a Tre for Mandolin, Guitar, Harpsichord: I. Allegro apertoPaul Ben-Haim, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Yizhar Karshon
Sonata a Tre for Mandolin, Guitar, Harpsichord: II. Lentamente recitandoPaul Ben-Haim, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Yizhar Karshon
Sonata a Tre for Mandolin, Guitar, Harpsichord: III. Lo stesso movimentoPaul Ben-Haim, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Yizhar Karshon
Carillon, Récitatif and Masque for Mandolin, Guitar, Harp: I. Carillon. AllegrettoHans Werner Henze, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Anneleen Lenaerts
Carillon, Récitatif and Masque for Mandolin, Guitar, Harp: II. Récitatif. AdagioHans Werner Henze, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Anneleen Lenaerts
Carillon, Récitatif and Masque for Mandolin, Guitar, Harp: III. MasqueHans Werner Henze, Avi Avital, Sean Shibe, Anneleen Lenaerts
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