Blue Heron | by Frank A. Wallace

My mandolin exposure has been extensive since I met and heard the elegant Mare Duo in Boston in 2008. What an amazing instrument in the hands of seemingly countless virtuosi, particularly in Germany and Italy, where the mandolin orchestra reigns. On American ground there are also many great players, tending to be in the bluegrass camp or cross-over. Purely classical mandolinists are more and more prevalent.

From the glory days of mandolin orchestras in early the 20th century, the singular Providence Mandolin Orchestra is still going strong as the leading ensemble of its type in America. Under the direction of Mark Davis for several decades now, the group specializes in new music. Many pieces have been commissioned by the group as well as one of its members, Robert Margo. I am very grateful to Bob for this, my second commission from him. The first was Nocturne for mandolin orchestra.