François Menichetti
François Menichetti is a French composer and mandolinist whose works for mandolin orchestra include Serenade Espagnole and Hungarian Journey.
His writing is little known outside the mandolin world, but it is valued there for colour, idiomatic flair, and showpiece energy.
Serenade Espagnole appears on Flight (MCD 298). Hungarian Journey (A travers la Hongrie) closes Ringing the Strings (MCD 557), moving from a calculated lassú into brisk rhapsodic motion.
Compositions by François Menichetti appear on
Ringing the Strings
Melbourne’s Concordia Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra present a programme of original works and arrangements for plucked strings, including music by Sculthorpe and Fauré alongside pieces by the ensemble’s own Michelle Nelson.
Flight
Concordia Mandolin and Guitar Ensemble gathers its more virtuosic, lively and passionate repertoire under the idea of flight. Flight of the Bumble Bee and Le Streghe (The Witches) lead the way; the remaining works answer with energy and vitality that suggest flights of fancy.