1815–1878

This chapter examines the history and repertoire of the classical mandolin from 1815 to 1878. It discusses the decline of the mandoline and the mandolino as concert instruments and explores the creation of the modern mandolin in Italy. During this period, the mandolin remained virtually unknown to most people outside Italy. However, after 1878, the instrument began to be played for recreational purposes in other countries, in Europe and the Americas, within their steadily growing communities of Italian immigrants.

This chapter examines the history and repertoire of the classical mandolin from 1815 to 1878. It discusses the decline of the mandoline and the mandolino as concert instruments and explores the creation of the modern mandolin in Italy. During this period, the mandolin remained virtually unknown to most people outside Italy. However, after 1878, the instrument began to be played for recreational purposes in other countries, in Europe and the Americas, within their steadily growing communities of Italian immigrants.