Five Folk Dances for solo mandolin, arranged by Michael Reichenbach
1. Cachimbo – Chilean Folk Dance
2. Trote from Tarapacá – Chilean Folk Song
3. The Boys – Russian Folk Dance
4. St Patrick was a Gentleman – Irish Traditional
5. Gopak – Russian Folk Dance
1. Cachimbo – Chilean Folk Dance
2. Trote from Tarapacá – Chilean Folk Song
3. The Boys – Russian Folk Dance
4. St Patrick was a Gentleman – Irish Traditional
5. Gopak – Russian Folk Dance
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’ & ‘Trote’
In Russia, the Balalaika became popular in the late 19th century after it had developed into a concert instrument. It is very common to play chords or the open fifth on the two lower strings to accompany melodies played on the first string. 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’ confirm the dance rhythm of this tune. I like to improvise around the middle part of this piece.
- Michael Reichenbach
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’ & ‘Trote’
In Russia, the Balalaika became popular in the late 19th century after it had developed into a concert instrument. It is very common to play chords or the open fifth on the two lower strings to accompany melodies played on the first string. 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’ confirm the dance rhythm of this tune. I like to improvise around the middle part of this piece.
- Michael Reichenbach