Exploring 18th Century Mandolin Solos: A Timeless Collection with Worldwide Appeal

At Astute Music, we are dedicated to offering mandolin sheet music of the highest quality, appealing to players across the globe—from Europe and North America to Australia and beyond. One of the most consistently appreciated titles in our catalogue is Favourite Mandolin Solos from the 18th Century (catalogue number am514-37), a refined collection that introduces baroque and early classical repertoire to the mandolin in a practical and musically faithful way.

​Edited by Alison Stephens, whose lasting influence on mandolin pedagogy and performance remains deeply appreciated, this 16-page edition is aimed at intermediate players (approximately grades 3–5). It brings together solos originally written for mandolin alongside carefully adapted works for violin, cello, or flute, preserving the character of each piece while ensuring playability on the mandolin. The selection includes Telemann’s spirited Allegro and lyrical Soave from his fantasias, Bach’s elegant Bourrées from the cello suites, Sauli’s Preludio and Corrente, Lecce’s Partitas in C and G, Gervasio’s Allemande en Rondeau, and Denis’s De La Reine de Golconde. Where necessary, pieces have been presented in slightly simplified forms, with some ornamentation adjusted or removed to support smooth learning and confident performance.

Detailed performance notes accompany the music, offering guidance on dynamics, tone production, plectrum technique, and fingerings—practical advice designed to help players achieve clarity and musical expression. Priced at £15, the collection is available both as a printed score and as an instant PDF download, making it easy for mandolinists anywhere in the world to begin exploring this sophisticated yet approachable repertoire without delay.

This historical focus is complemented by The Mandolin Companion (am514-25), a thorough 77-page technique resource co-authored by Alison Stephens and Chris Acquavella. Drawing on more than 25 years of teaching experience, the book provides structured exercises covering daily warm-ups, scales, tremolo development, dexterity work, arpeggio patterns, and solutions to common technical difficulties. It is equally valuable for beginners establishing solid foundations and for more experienced players seeking to refine their technique across classical, folk, or contemporary styles. Priced at £20, it is offered in print or as a convenient PDF download.

For players building confidence in solo repertoire, Signposts (am514-08) by Hugh Boyde offers an engaging 12-page collection of eight pieces suited to advanced beginners and lower-intermediate levels. It features original works such as the lively “Rise and Shine” and “Study in G,” together with arrangements of familiar pieces including Jeremiah Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary,” Fernando Sor’s “Fernando’s Study,” a homage to John Dowland in “Mr Dowland’s Mandolin,” a traditional “Gaelic Air,” “Calypso,” and “Scarborough Fair.” The collection supports technical growth while introducing a range of musical styles and encouraging players to experiment with their own arrangements. At £8, it is available as a printed score or instant PDF download.

These publications sit within our broader mandolin sheet music catalogue, which includes beginner tutors and studies, solo pieces, duets (mandolin with guitar, harp, mandola, or piano), trios, ensembles, and mandolin orchestra material. The selection spans classical traditions, folk influences, and modern compositions, ensuring there is suitable material for every level and interest. Nearly all titles are offered as instant PDF downloads in addition to printed editions, allowing mandolinists worldwide to access professional-quality music quickly and conveniently.

We welcome mandolin players everywhere to explore our range—whether you are drawn to the elegance of 18th-century solos, the structure of technical exercises, or the variety of intermediate repertoire.​