Author Archives: Marilynn

Of Note

It’s out! the new Brazilian Choro book

By Marilynn | Published: November 15, 2010

Marilynn & Paulo’s new Choro book was published by Mel Bay in November. You can order it here: Brazilian Choro – A Method for Mandolin or read more about it here. The book takes key concepts from the unwritten performance practice of Choro and creates a series of original exercises to teach the style, not simply the tunes. Music is placed in the context of its history, with pictures of Choro groups and rodas, and the book is bilingual, … Read More »

Posted November 15th, 2010

News

Two reviews for Meu Bandolim…

By Marilynn | Published: November 5, 2010

Mandolin Magazine has a great review for Meu Bandolim, praising its  “varied approaches to… choro music– some lightning quick and others languid and sultry, but all popping and simmering with energy and passion… the pulsing embodiment of life as music in all its glory. Highly recommended.” (Hermon Joyner, Mandolin Magazine). Add that to, “to my ears, one of her finest recordings.” (John Goodin, The Mandolin Journal) and you have more reasons to check out what Marilynn has been doing in … Read More »

Posted November 5th, 2010

Of Note

Herb Taylor, luthier

By Marilynn | Published: November 5, 2010

In addition to broadening my pick horizons, CMSA also introduced me to Herb Taylor, luthier extraordinaire. And although I really do have all the instruments I need, I fell in love with the sound of his octave mandolin and was considering a purchase when it was sold to another.  I’m definitely not a fan of unrequited love, so I now have an instrument on order from Herb, due for delivery in January. I’ll let you know when it arrives. In … Read More »

Posted November 5th, 2010

Ask Marilynn

Mozart’s mandolin

By Marilynn | Published: October 30, 2010

Q: In your article on the Mozart song “Komm, Liebe Zither, Komm” you mentioned that the piece was probably written for the 6 string Austrian mandolin. Has anyone sat down with various instruments to see which one the music fit most naturally? Zither was the German word for cittern, so I thought it was written for something in the cittern family, like an English Guittar or a waldzither.
-CM

A: Well we do know that it was written for mandolin, … Read More »

Posted October 30th, 2010

Of Note

Gary Wagner–The Pick Guy

By Marilynn | Published: October 29, 2010

When I went to CMSA a couple of weeks ago I was not thinking I’d come home with new stuff. But I did– vintage tortoise shell picks. Why, you might ask, when I have a lifetime supply of Pettine picks stashed away? Gary Wagner made his case in the simple effective way of dumping a couple of thicknesses of a special Pettine model on my table and telling me to try them. The pick is a marvel. And before you … Read More »

Posted October 29th, 2010 | 4 Comments

Of Note

10/25: review of “Celebrating a Year”

By Marilynn | Published: October 26, 2010

Marilynn’s personal blog “Celebrating a Year” is reviewed today in “Review Tuesdays” on Jingle Poetry– a forum she participates in. It’s the 2nd time Marilynn’s work has been chosen for review. A month ago one of her sonnets was chosen “Poem of the Week”. If you want to know more about the artist behind the music click the link to Marilynn’s personal blog in the lower RH column.… Read More »

Posted October 26th, 2010 | Leave a comment

Newsletters

Marilynn on Mandolin #41 ~ Sept/Oct 2010

By Marilynn | Published: October 25, 2010

THE NEW WEBPAGE IS UP! ~ Big thanks to Alex & Brinsley for my fabulous new site. The address is the same, but the content and navigation have truly moved forward. There is more sheetmusic, live concert mp3s, an “Ask Marilynn” section, and an “Of Note” column of short updates on friends, events, and happenings in my mando-world. Please visit, leave a comment, and let me know how you find the content and navigation. Proudly presenting the new: http://www.marilynnmair.com

FALL … Read More »

Posted October 25th, 2010

Ask Marilynn

Colleges and summer camps for mandolin

By Marilynn | Published: October 22, 2010

Q: My son, a senior in high school, has been playing mandolin for about 5 years and enjoys playing a wide variety of music including jazz, new grass, and classical. As he anticipates going off to college he would like to attend a school where he could advance his skills on the mandolin. do you know what colleges could provide a focus on this instrument? Also, he would like to attend several mandolin camps this summer. Could you recommend several … Read More »

Posted October 22nd, 2010

Ask Marilynn

Fingering figured out

By Marilynn | Published: October 22, 2010

Q: I have been learning mandolin for a year or so and have just purchased your Complete Mandolinist and already it has helped me in regards to tremolo technique especially, but in many other ways too. I live in a rural area of Australia where I could find only one tutor of mandolin and to my dismay on buying your book I find I have been using different fingers for the frets from those you advocate in your book.  This … Read More »

Posted October 22nd, 2010

Of Note

10/18: back from CMSA

By Marilynn | Published: October 18, 2010

The Classical Mandolin Society convention in Seattle was a v.cool few days celebrating the instrument we all love. President Lou Chouinard ran a tight and interesting ship, and we all came away with a bit more information, and some of us with new picks in our pockets, and new instruments on order. So much for resolutions, and more on all this later. Consider signing up for CMSA membership– it’s a great organization with so much potential!… Read More »

Posted October 18th, 2010 | Leave a comment

    • “Smudging the lines between folk and classical is an intrepid endeavor… Mair’s a superb mandolin player who has brought the instrument to unexpected places…” – Jim Macnie, The Providence Phoenix (USA)

    • “Marilynn Mair has always had the keen ability to balance classical mandolin traditions and repertoire, while constantly breaking new musical ground…a superb and versatile mandolinist and composer.” – – Butch Baldassari, Mandolin Magazine (USA)

    • “Mair travels by mandolin to Brazil and brilliance… her commitment to the music shines through.” – Rick Massimo, The Providence Journal

    • “Stepping back to the 18th-century masterworks gave her the opportunity to highlight her technique with a fresh light… her playing is thoughtful, vibrant and a delight to listen to.” — Terence Pender, Mandolin Quarterly (USA)

    • “She’s a fabulous player with a wonderfully clear and lyrical sound.” – The Ottawa Citizen (Canada)

    • “Mair displays an exceptionally gifted approach to this music, using her formidable mandolin technique with grace and sensitivity… It’s the next best thing to a trip to Rio.” – David McCarty, Mandolin Magazine (USA)

    • “Marilynn Mair performs Brazilian mandolin music… she plays the mandolin as an instrument for all occasions.” – Vaughn Watson, The Providence Journal (USA)

    • “Bring a talented ensemble of gifted musicians together playing some of the great concertos and chamber music pieces of the 1700s, present the extraordinary classical mandolinist Marilynn Mair front and center, and you have a rare combination of the right musicians performing the right music at the right time.” – David McCarty, Mandolin Magazine (USA)

    • “Marilynn Mair é uma bandolinista americana de formação erudita” — Paulo Eduardo Neves, Agenda do Samba Choro (Brasil)

    • “Mair is unstoppable… capable of evoking any landscape, past or present, you’d care to conjure.” – Mike Caito, Providence Phoenix (USA)

    • “Marilynn Mair on mandolin…touches the deepest and most engaging reaches of the ancient and passionate ‘Latin soul’.” – Carlos Agudelo, Billboard Magazine

    • “A lovely concert! We estimate your spell-bound and enthusiastic audience at close to 1800 people…” – Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors (USA)

    • “The final repeat of the melody transmitted a strong feeling of peace and tenderness that escaped no one in the audience. It is this sensitivity and subtleness that characterized the overall performance.” – Brian Hodel, Guitar Review (USA)

    • “A brilliant concert from beginning to end…The performance was extraordinary.” – La Rioja (Spain)

    • “A sparkling concert… absolutely brilliant!” – Guitar Magazine (England)

    • “Marilynn Mair acquits herself very well indeed, a most accomplished player, able to deal with the many intricacies the repertoire demands of her.” – Chris Kilvington, Classical Guitar (England)

    • “Marilynn Mair lives up to her reputation as an excellent mandolinist, with clear tone, a beautiful tremolo, and creative expressiveness.” – Zupfmusik Magazin (Germany)