Instrument: Mandolin

[@Holobrine]

My grandfather had a mandolin, and he let me strum it while he held onto the neck, changing the chords around to make it sound good. My 5 year old brain believed I was playing it all by myself.

[@superdeluxesmell]

That almost sounds too perfect to be true! 😂

[@Gelsenbury]

I do the same thing with my four-year-old son!

[@QuynhNhuMandolin]

Greetings from a Vietnamese Mandolinist

[@hannahjohnson4582]

Awwww! How sweet 🎂

[@bobjacobson858]

My grandfather also had a mandolin (a Gibson, with the scroll in the corner of the body and an oval sound hole), and he passed away almost 4 decades ago, but I still have the instrument. I play other instruments, but had been away from it for a while, and although I recently took up some brass instruments, I'm thinking about playing the mandolin (as I already have some familiarity with stringed instruments, in particular the string bass and a bit of guitar). I'm not particularly interested in folk music, but from this video I've learned that many kinds of music are 'legitimate' uses for the mandolin.

[@neeps9596]

The face and the eyes sparkle while talking about a thing that he loves but he's wringing his hands in humble discomfort at having a camera on him. I bet he's a good guy.

[@coveredbyhisblood80]

That’s Parkinson’s

[@mandolinic]

Mandolin: one of the world's greatest instruments. So much punch for such a little package.

[@ised-5239]

Mandolinic Yes it is more common than mandola, soprano/piccolo mandolin, octave mandolin, or octave mandola/mandocello and can be found in many local music stores and also online and very popular in bluegrass music.

[@levis569]

That's what she said

[@AdlerMow]

Plus, thanks to the fifths tuning, you can transfer a lot of it to other instruments: mandola, mandocello, tenor banjo, tenor guitar, etc, and, to a lesser extent violin, viola, cello, and so on! Learning it has this tremendous benefit.

[@neeps9596]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYbMqpJsna5grrc

[@googleuser3163]

Absolutely agree. A very capable and versatile instrument. Definitely one of my favourite string instrents.

[@dudeplaygames]

He looks so happy when talking about the mandolin

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

We accidentally flagged a lovely comment we got over the weekend - many apologies. We're not sure the name of the user, but we invite you to please repost your comment!

[@dhemi2127]

He speaks very well. Very coherent and informative. I wish I can learn more than this instrument from him. He's a very sound man.

[@jannisopel]

12:20 He played the Aubade one of my all time favorite small pieces. It made me so happy.

[@joaoguilherme3160]

It's so good to see his afection with the instrument

[@tamneal]

I always find these Philharmonia 'Instrument' videos extremely informative. Always learn something new! Tx

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@tamneal]

You're welcome. My father, Maurice Neal (who passed away last year at the ripe old age of 92) was sub-principle double bass with the Phil during the 70s/80s! As a consequence I've always supported the orchestra. In fact my wife and I are going to the RFH this Sunday for the Symphonie Fantastique concert. Looking forward to it! Tx

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

What a wonderful connection! Have a great time at the concert this weekend. Thank you for your support of the Philharmonia.

[@hurwitzcello]

Archivist of the Philharmonia here, can I get in touch with you regarding your dad?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@philharmonia_orchestra I've arranged that aria for a Female Voice (Mezzo-Soprano).

[@magicdave93]

What a fantastic historical lesson.

[@peterharrison5833]

Great presentation! Brings me back to my time in Naples in '84-'87 and all the great players there. Also, my grandfather, who was born in Italy, played both violin and mandolin. Such great memories! Thanks so much for doing this! Sincerely, PMH

[@billastell3753]

I've played the mando for 50 years. I'm not a great player but I love it. I found this to be a very interesting video on history. Thank you and thumbs up.

[@petermapp5988]

I am from Trinidad.I am looking for a mandolin...good second hand.Any ideas where i can source one?I figure someone who plays would have an idea how to pack for shipment etc.....let me know pls.

[@Intbel]

Interesting and informative, thank you. Also interestingly (or not, >shrug

[@calebkroll4698]

Very cool

[@bedrichsmetana4777]

I thought he was using his nails as a pick

[@angelodou]

That's actually a thing with both guitar and mandolin players.

[@martinkrauser4029]

Yes. But not on the left hand. :)

[@johnhudelson2652]

He also plays classical guitar, which does use the nails.

[@joecampbell46]

Was gonna like this but saw it had 69 likes so just know you have my like in spirit

[@gingersroc]

cause he was dude

[@SteffenThole]

I've been studying music at a conservatory for a bit over four years now. And I am still learning a lot through this series because each musician has such an incredibly in-depth knowledge. And this includes the "big" classical instruments, too, like the violin, flute, trumpet etc. But especially the mandolin. I knew it existed, I know you used could use tremolo and strum, but that was it. Thank you for this series, and thank you soooo much on behalf of music pedagogy for making this as available and accessible as possible by posting it on KZbin, for free, with big and easy to read subtitles that include those little [strums a chord] things. I love your work.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you very much! We're glad you're enjoying our work and finding it so useful.

[@jumpingjflash]

Well done, Nigel. All the introductions are excellent but your introduction to the mandolin is most excellent

[@sayarsan911]

An informative, accessible and reliable introduction to the various types of mandolins including history of construction and music styles.

[@EddieChung]

Love that you’re still doing this!

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

I first learned to play the violin and then the mandolin. As you said, the mandolin is tuned to the exact same open strings as the violin: G,D,A,E. Playing the mandolin is something like playing the violin pizzicato (held like a guitar) without using tremolo; and unlike the violin, the mandolin has frets for easy access! 😊 🎼 ♫

[@timothyrice1621]

Mandolins, and 12 string guitars also, sound best when the string pairs are very slightly out of tune. Gives it an effect called detune, which sounds like an chorus effect

[@meercreate]

12 string guitars have 4 of their courses in octave intervals, the remaining 2 in unison

[@c.a.t.732]

That would certainly fall under the category of "matter of taste and opinion". To me, an instrument that is out of tune is just out of tune, and isn't in any way pleasant to listen to.

[@pcb8059]

@@c.a.t.732 Ive been fingerpicking 12 strings for 30 years..On double octave strings, you tune one string slightly sharp and the other string equally flat, the two strings together are" in tune" with extra "wide" texture and stereo depth to the tone. If you tune the two octaves together exactly the same, then it sounds like a single string and loses its stereo tonality.

[@markewings7525]

@@pcb8059 I've just tried it. Sounds like shit. How far sharp or flat?

[@calebnation7797]

Mine are usually around a quarter tone different

[@nixitha]

I'm planning on starting to learn the mandolin and this was by far the best video that helped me make my decision. Thank you!

[@Phantomsbreath]

Thanks for putting this together. I'm learning a lot about classical music that I didn't even know existed.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for watching, we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@infledermaus]

I'm a mandolin player and very familiar with its history, but I have learned several new things from you. Thank you so much for your informative video! Beautiful mandolin! I have an old Embergher style German mandolin (Gold Klang or so I was told) that I love. I have a flat back, but don't play it often. My greatest joy is playing baroque music. Very informative video.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for watching! We're glad that this was interesting for you!

[@andrewspencer4843]

I was lucky enough between the ages to 11 and 15 to play banjo in the Jacklin Frets Orchestra which had mandolins, mandolas, guitars, banjos, double bass, flute and accordion. Loved the mandolin sound. Would love to see younger people taking it up.

[@superdeluxesmell]

Such a beautiful little instrument.

[@atsukorichards1675]

Great video. Thank you! In Japan, there are many Mandolin orchestras in the universities and colleges, and in some high schools. Those who enjoyed playing in their youth often join in the local clubs or mandolin orchestras afterwards.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

How interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@carlacorsini7766]

In meditation i asked for an image and a mandolin appeared (along with the word). I do not play any instruments and i barely knew what this was so i googled it and watched this video..i am half italian (my dad was born in italy) and have always felt the presence of my ancestors guiding me.. i burst into tears as i realized that they were communicating with me.. now i must learn to play!!! Thank u for this wonderful video ❤️❤️❤️😘

[@philroe2363]

Thank you for doing this! . . . this was a very nice review of the history and dynamics of the mandolin. As a person who like you plays a lot of different types of stringed instruments, I have to say that setting the intonation on the mandolin is probably one of the easiest there is to do.

[@tomsmusiclessons]

Wonderfully informative, thank you for putting this together!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@nathanandblayze8288]

This is lovely hearing the entire history of this instrument with examples all the way through. Wonderful playing and a great education

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) I think Violinists would love to play the Mandolin as a 2'nd instrument. Anything written for Violin works on a Mandolin.

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

This is very intetesting and informative The instrument is beautifully. Mr. Woodhouse is a virtuoso. Playing all the short excerpts as examples from heart. Great video.

[@karenelizabeth9720]

Engaging and most informative tutorial from “The Man Who Plays The Mandolino” ! Beautiful music, beautiful instruments..... :)

[@martialpanyvino]

Writing tremolo for sustain 10:45 dual style playing, writing juxtaposition of a voice with tremolo, and another one without Harmonics to get a delicate melody timbre

[@digger26]

What an excellent video! Thank you Nigel Woodhouse. I am from southern Ontario, Canada and came to your video after searching celtic instruments and wanting to know more. I thought I would just click on your link to hear the sounds of the Mandolin and then head off to other instruments. Your video just drew me in! So informative and educational. I stayed and watched to the end. My thanks comes in the form of a thumbs up and hitting the subscribe button but I'm hoping the satisfaction you get in knowing how much it was appreciated, makes you feel a bit better about the video you created.

[@Gusrikh1]

Very, very informative.

[@Lester.M]

What a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing sir!

[@kaziiqbal7257]

I wonder if it’s possible to hear a mandolin and not have a smile on your face.

[@derrickjeromeweaverjr.2404]

Very interesting,that's why I subscribed Philharmia orchestra

[@scarl2t]

Absolutely magnificent.

[@ironkiko]

I'm so glad I found this video. I too play guitar, not very well might I add, but have also acquired an old "La Valenciana" Neapolitan mandolin and want to learn to play Renaissance music. :-)

[@FostersLab]

One of my favorite videos from the whole channel - and I've watched quite a few! Thank you so much!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You're welcome! Thanks for spending all that time on our channel!

[@FostersLab]

@@philharmonia_orchestra My mandolin came in the mail a couple days ago, I can say that you had something to do with this ;)

[@melindamanthey2757]

Excellent presentation, thank you.

[@MatiasGamalielTolmoSuarez]

In Chile (South america) mandolines are used by the largest protestant group, methodist pentecostals, which are quite different from american pentecostals, way more traditional, and mandoline is a central part of the worship and liturgical music, here I always thought it was just used in churches. A wonderful and beautiful instrument I´ve had the fortune to hear a lot in many many hymns.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing.

[@malcolmjones9109]

Very well presented, thanks for posting.

[@ivyssauro123]

This is one of the best and most detailed videos yet! Thanks for this series! I love the mandolin, will probably pick it up to learn it some day Although I know he is talking about orchestral music and not popular music but I think it would have been cool for him to have mentioned Brazil's Choro tradition, it's an instrumental strand of Samba typical from the first half of the 20th century, which has, like a violin in the orchestra, the Mandolin(there called Bandolim) as it's centerpiece, and this unique tradition comes not just with a bunch of unique tecniques and uses but also a unique Mandolin shape (The pear shaped mandolin), which has a sound closer to the Italian than the american one.

[@ised-5239]

Ivo Wilson The Bandolim was originated in Portugal as Cavaquinho (a ukulele-like instrument) did and Brazillians also modified the shape.

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Mandolin Orchestras used to be a big thing in the US, and there are some left (the most famous is probably the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra); they play mostly works written for string ensambles, but with mandolin, mandola, mandocello, and mandobass instead. I heard a recordng once of the Albinoni Adagio with organ, solo violin, and the orchestral part played on mandolins for a very interesting effect. I'm not sure I liked it, but it was interesting. "Eine Kline Nachtmusik" sounds really good for a mandolin ensamble.

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Are there mandolin orchestras in the UK?

[@cnidariantide4207]

Absolutely delightful.

[@ised-5239]

16:00 Left: Italian mando, right: bluegrass mando

[@bradbates2868]

Bravo! Highly recommended... time well spent here!

[@descordesetdessons32]

But... does it djent?

[@mandolinic]

That particular model, no, but you can pick up an electric mandolin for a couple hundred bucks (I have one myself), put it through some guitar effect pedals, turn the amp up to 11, and all heavy rock music is opened up to you - an octave higher than the rest of the band. In fact, most bands and most genres are improved by the addition of a mandolin.

[@iainlennon]

The mandocello and Liuto Cantabile (5 string mandocello) djents pretty hard

[@descordesetdessons32]

That would sound awesome! I'm going to check that out right now

[@lunarscorpio3987]

yES, HAHAHAHHA I LOVE JARED DINES

[@randyrrs7028]

can you shred on it?

[@InventorZahran]

13:10 Stravinsky was hiding The Lick in his music, long before it became a meme!

[@orionskynerlopata5371]

Igor the meme lord

[@WiltshireMan]

What a wonderful demonstration and explanation of the mandolin. Thankyou

[@SpadeRZA]

I just picked up the mandolin. That was a very informative and professional video. Thank you very much. The tremolo is certainly something I will look into.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

We wish you the best on your mandolin journey! Thanks for spending time with us on the channel.

[@annamariabagger]

such an underrated instrument

[@michaelatkinson8583]

Superb - many thanks. You've inspired me to practise.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

That is great news! Enjoy!

[@IgnacioIF]

Pick's just a regular Jim Dunlop Nylon 1mm, in case anyone was wondering.

[@jacobpalmer5400]

I had no idea the mandolin had such a strong connection to the violin (an instrument I played for a long time, though not amazingly). I always liked playing the violin, but I used to find it difficult to keep the accuracy of my notes. I am now tempted to get a mandolin, purely because it isn't too far a departure from my violin days. I'm currently messing around with a beautifully simple instrument called the seagull M4, with one pair of strings mirroring the doubled note idea from the mandolin, with the other two being individually tuned. I'll have to save my pennies...

[@Intbel]

Tenpted to buy a mandolin? A li'l advice - easiest & best way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. (And you'll find the transition from fiddle to mando painless) Acceptable mandolins seem to start at around £350.00 but there are some gems at £150.00 which are underestimated. "Try before you buy" is always recommended.

[@zacharymendenhall]

I’m literally trying to learn the song he plays at the opening of the video cause I’m trying to sing the aria while playing the mandolin- the timing couldn’t be better

[@el_rey_gris9321]

So happy to learn more about my favorite instrument 🥰

[@ivyssauro123]

Schoenberg, Stravinsky and Prokofiev?? I wanna hear that!

[@ImLeuff]

Came here for Battle of Evermore and stayed for a pleasant history lesson

[@philipjoannou]

Check out Nancy Wilson’s Lesson from Heart

[@QuynhNhuMandolin]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing this!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You're most welcome.

[@CarlosLopez-uc1ke]

Very good video, beautiful mandolins. Thanks.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks, Carlos! Thank you for spending time on our channel.

[@blackrosesarge]

Loved it. Very informative

[@andrzejjankowski2372]

Od mlodych lat mam mandoline DREIMA bardzo ladny dzwiek jest bardzo stara . POZDRAWIAM . POLAND . WARSAW .

[@allisontutkowski175]

This was excellent, thank you!

[@Samata94]

Fantastic video, I'm trying to figure out what's instrument is right for me as a small hand and slightly rheumatic person, I did a bunch of flute before but would like an instrument I could sing with. I love the complete break down of the mandolin from history, use, style and name origin. Mandolin is definitely tempting.

[@marthaglaus2137]

Superb video, thanks!

[@Galshaer]

Thanks for the great lecture.

[@rasmuswellejus2809]

I've never seen such a nail before 😲

[@i8ittoo]

I've played many stringed instruments for about 18 yrs. And i finger pick most of them. But !

[@carmenfreeman693]

Very cool! Thank you. 🎶🙏☺🎶

[@TamatiKingi]

I am literally shaking and crying rn

[@manjit862]

Great course on Mandolin, you are a amazing teacher. The level of details along with emphasis on the basics are phenomenal

[@sundar5537]

thanks nigel ..explained very well......great...

[@sallyfong9843]

Beautiful sound!

[@sebastianzaczek]

Although it's not really an orchestral instrument (except in Piano concerti), have you ever considered doing a Video on the piano?

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Yes, we have - it's on our list!

[@sebastianzaczek]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) 😀

[@jasonsummit1885]

Had to click on this to see if it was a round back mandolin, it is!😁👍

[@DavidLunney]

Nice video. Just a quick note that Kesh jig along with the other tunes featured in titanic were existing folk tunes prior to the movie. Best version of Kesh is by bothy band in the late 70s

[@klemsdal]

Where is the duo style study from? Just something Nigel made? It's very nice!

[@janott6342]

Really interesting introduction to the mandolin! One thing I'm curious about: The fretboard of the Neapolitan mandolin extends all the way down and even covers the soundhole, can these high frets be even fingered and played reliably? Or is it more of an aesthetic/visual feature?

[@nigelwoodhouse5787]

A good question - it was part of a trend in the late 19th century to extend the range, but the highest notes such as a top G or A would most probably occur in a cadenza as the top of an arpeggio passage on the tonic or dominant 7th, they wouldn't be played in a chromatic or diatonic line. There is also the visual element which sends the message that this is a maker's top model designed for the serious soloist. Also from the perspective of construction, extending the fingerboard across the sound hole gives more support to the extension.

[@janott6342]

That makes perfect sense, especially your last point about improved structural stability. Thanks for taking the time to answer!

[@mandolinic]

The first mandolin I bought had this feature, but in practice it wasn't very useful, either due to my overall lack of ability, or the lack of loudness and poor intonation of the notes. My subsequent mandolins have been "A" model bluegrass types, without the extended fretboard and I haven't ever missed it.

[@ricardocastillo5485]

The Battle of Evermore

[@RobinBassett]

Okay! This made me take the plunge!! Here we go.....torture for the family 😀

[@Sandstroem82]

They tolerate the guitar and ukulele, but I probably should not introduce a mandolin too

[@AlexLopez-sj3eg]

I'm considering it myself,after seeing this comment,I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[@Braziliense1984]

great video

[@oath5926]

can you play song from guitar on the mandolin?

[@scarl2t]

This video is so interesting and incredibly informative at the same time. Thank you so much for making this.

[@bembengart5581]

good at playing banjos music

[@FictionWriter95]

Possibly stupid question: do mandolin players usually pluck both strings in each course, or just pluck one and let the other sympathetically resonate?

[@seanmcduffie6618]

Please do a video of the Mandola

[@TheMalitias]

If there was a version of Harry Potter where he would instead go to a bard school, this would be Dumbledore.

[@denisryan9470]

Valentini is a pleasure !

[@adammm142]

9:50 thats how the mosquito in my bedroom sounded sounded last night...

[@Roonagu]

And now you had learned that it was actually mandolin player..

[@NtaGot]

i have big sized flat mandolin. should i use also bigger strings??

[@chenchenyong5141]

卓依婷 谢谢你一直爱着我

[@DannySavageMusician]

Excellent video!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you! Please do subscribe to keep up with all of our releases. We have a new instrument film coming out this spring.

[@jameswinter384]

Great information thanks

[@cosimino1277]

This same idea is used by a lot of person before Vivaldi such as the tarantella calabrese, or tarantella napoletana

[@stephenandersen4625]

still struggling learning the mandolin... it is like a guitar.. but backwards. And Remember that it was Gaelic Storm acting as the musicians in the ceilidh scene in Titanic

[@Intbel]

Guitar tuning is beyong my understanding. G,D.A.E, though, - that's just so logical. Fourth finger on one string = next open string. How simple ias that?

[@JustNam66]

Same like Bandurria hehe. Great 👍🏾