Composer:	Michael Reichenbach
Instrumentation:	Solo mandolin
Mandolin Grading:	Intermediate
Total Duration:	Pages : score 6 pages
Astute code:	am514-11
ISMN:	979 0 57031 077 7

Plucked instruments similar to the mandolin are used all over the world. The pieces in this selection were taken from three different cultures where plucked instruments play a significant role.

In Chile and other South American countries, the Charango is used in popular group music and also as a solo instrument. I tried to imitate the Charango’s sound in Cachimbo and Trote.

In Russia the Balalaika became popular in the late 19th century after it had developed into a concert instru-ment. It is very common to play chords or the open fifth on the two lower strings to accompany melodies played on the first string. Variations and medleys of Russian melodies were very popular in mandolin orchestras. These two arrangements of Russian melodies can sound like a much bigger group of players.

The Irish bouzouki and the mandolin are often used in Irish traditional music playing either the melody or a rhythmic accompaniment. The lower voice and the chords used in the middle part of St Patrick was a Gentleman confirm the dance rhythm of this tune. I like to improvise around the middle part of this piece.

I started playing the mandolin when I had already been playing the classical guitar for a while. Just playing melodies on the mandolin did not satisfy me, so I always tried to add a second voice or chords to make the tunes more interesting. I wanted to get as much sound as possible from my little mandolin.

Some practice with playing chords on the mandolin will be quite useful before you start playing the pieces in this book. Start with playing simple chords with open strings. Playing chords can help to develop both your right and left hand.

The arrangements in this selection should also give you some ideas about how to make other melodies more interesting by adding open strings or standard chords. Give it a try!

Michael Reichenbach

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