My solo mandolin compositions look to the Bach Sonatas and Partitas for their substance and form, to 20th century composers for their musical language, and to the mandolin virtuosos of the 18th and 19th centuries for their technique. I perform music of all periods to promote the classical mandolin in general, but also make a point of playing American composers, living composers and women composers.
Neil Gladd received his B.A. in Music from Virginia Tech in 1978, and is currently based in the Washington, DC area. He has appeared as a mandolin soloist at Carnegie Recital Hall, Merkin Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, at mandolin festivals in Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Japan, as well as in recital in Canada, England, France and throughout the U.S. His repertoire ranges from Bach to Vaudeville to contemporary music, and more than a dozen new works have been written for him. In addition to his work as a performer, Mr. Gladd is a composer and a leading authority on mandolin history and recordings. He has appeared on national television on the PBS American Experience series (If You Knew Sousa) and onstage as a costumed musician for the Shakespeare Theatre's productions of "The Comedy of Errors" and "Much Ado About Nothing" (with Kelly McGillis and David Selby). In 2000, he performed at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony, the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, and the Choral Arts Society, in addition to playing with the Wolf Trap Opera Company and the Philadelphia Orchestra under Rostropovich.
Recordings: (All are unedited concert performances.)
Neil Gladd: Three Songs After Thomas Campion (2002)
1. Silly Boy, 'Tis Full Moone Yet
With Marjorie Bunday, mezzo-soprano (altodiva.com, first friend below)
Padre Bernardo Arauhal (18th cent.)
Quartet in D minor [Mand, Vn, Vla, Vc]
I. Allegro
Alfred Uhl (1909-1992)
Spielmusik (1936) [Mand, Vn, Vla, Vc]
III. Zahnrader
William Bardwell (1915-1994)
Little Serenade (1953) [Picc, Xyl, Mand]
V. Vivace
ABOUT FRIEND REQUESTS: I generally only send them to classical and new music people. (Or any manner of mandolinist.) I virtually ALWAYS deny friend requests from bands and pop artists unless I either know someone in the band personally, or they are extremely mandocentric.
NEW! MY YOUTUBE DEBUT!
Victor Kioulaphides: Seven Ancient Greek Lyrics (2007) , with Marjorie Bunday, mezzo-soprano.
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
How are you? I just got the T-shirts I ordered for the NYC Musical Saw Festival. I'm excited about the logo: What do you think? I hope you can join us at the festival on Saturday, July 18th, 2pm at Trinity Church, 31-18 37th street, Astoria (Queens), NYC.
I wanted to let you know that last summer's Musical Saw Festival made a top 10 list. It's number 2 on WFMU Radio DJ Bronwyn's list of Best Things of 2008. You can find the WFMU list here: http://blog. wfmu. org/freeform/2009/01/pretty-good-the. html
This year’s NYC Musical Saw Festival is scheduled for July 18, 2009, 2pm. It sure would be great if you could participate!
Thanks for the request. Your playing is excellent, as well as your choises. As for me, I have two works for mandolin. They were both written for the excellent greek mandolinist Dimitris Marinos. Many have written works for him (e.g. Michael Finnissy). Right now I was thinking about a work for three mandolins. I would be happy to provide you with material (in a few days time) should you give your address.
