Monthly Archives: July 2012

Mandolin Music

Mandolinist Gordon Neidinger plays Vittorio Monti’s “Csardas”

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See Gordon play on WGBH


From the Fraser Performance studio at WGBH, Boston, 17-year-old mandolin player Gordon Neidinger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania joins Classical New England host Cathy Fuller to play the “Csardas” by Vittorio Monti. It’s a special “From The Top” edition of “Drive Time Live,” …a preview of Gordon’s upcoming appearance (show 245) on NPR’s “From the Top.” Airing Saturdays at 5 pm on www.classicalnewengland.org.

Mandolins

The Mandolin King – Preview

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Here is something you don’t see often, a twin mandolin.


See the preview for the Manodolin King.



Cruz Quinal, “the mandolin king,” lives near Cumaná, Venezuela in a mountain valley surrounded by sugarcane fields. Perpetuating 16th century Spanish traditions of guitar-making, Cruz fashions such musical instruments as cuatros, marimba, escarpandola, and his own creation, a mandolin with two fretboards. He is an accomplished musician as well. In this moving portrait, Cruz compares himself to a decaying colonial church across the street: revered yet neglected, the village altar stands, paint peeling, under the open sky. a film by John Dickinson distributed by Documentary Educational Resources

Mandolin Music

Frank Semola, 107 Years Old Mandolinist, Plays “O Marie”

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If Frank Semola can play at 107 years old - how aobout you?


Frank began playing mandolin in 1912, at age seven. His passion for the mandolin lasted for a century. Frank played with the Munier Mandolin Orchestra for 40 years, and he played for countless social functions, on cruise ships, and in restaurants. This clip is from Munier’s 5/6/12 concert at St. Mark’s Church in Bristol, PA. Frank, who retired from Munier several years ago, attended the concert. When asked to play a few tunes, Frank gladly obliged. This was Frank’s final performance. He passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. Frank had an infectious positive spirit and a zest for life and for music. He will be greatly missed.