From the mailbox:

By Marilynn | Published: February 6, 2014

Sometimes a letter arrives that says so much about Marilynn’s work:
Dear Marilynn,
I last communicated with you some time ago when I was seeking advice on acquiring a passable(or any) tremolo. This was after collating your on-line advice from the internet and any hard copy that I could get. My studies were interrupted after only a few months when necessity prevailed and I had to take a job abroad. Since then you have published your book on mandolin and I was pleased to re-commense studies with a copy in my Hebridean surroundings.

I have to say that after daily application (without fail) and following your teachings and advice to the letter, from June 1 last year I can now detect an embryo of a tremolo. That sewing machine tickover is there every time now and I tremolo anything that moves. The section on picks was invaluable and nowhere else in the world would an aspirant find instruction as informative as this.

The mandolin accommodates beautifully the laments of many pipe tunes and it gives me much pleasure to strive to portray the elegiac quality of those airs and times. I would like to thank you most sincerely for your help and your publication on mandolin in which you sit beside the pupil and try to get your expertise and experience across.
Sincerely,
NM

Posted February 6th, 2014. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

  • “Mair travels by mandolin to Brazil and brilliance… her commitment to the music shines through.”

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    “Smudging the lines between folk and classical is an intrepid endeavor… Mair’s a superb mandolin player who has brought the instrument to unexpected places…”

    – Jim Macnie, The Providence Phoenix (USA)

    “Mair displays an exceptionally gifted approach to this music, using her formidable mandolin technique with grace and sensitivity… It’s the next best thing to a trip to Rio.”

    – David McCarty, Mandolin Magazine (USA)

    “The final repeat of the melody transmitted a strong feeling of peace and tenderness that escaped no one in the audience. It is this sensitivity and subtleness that characterized the overall performance.”

    – Brian Hodel, Guitar Review (USA)

    “Marilynn Mair é uma bandolinista americana de formação erudita”

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    “Marilynn Mair performs Brazilian mandolin music… she plays the mandolin as an instrument for all occasions.”
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    “A brilliant concert from beginning to end…The performance was extraordinary.”
    – La Rioja (Spain)

    Bring a talented ensemble of gifted musicians together playing some of the great concertos and chamber music pieces of the 1700s, present the extraordinary classical mandolinist Marilynn Mair front and center, and you have a rare combination of the right musicians performing the right music at the right time.

    – David McCarty, Mandolin Magazine (USA)

    “Marilynn Mair acquits herself very well indeed, a most accomplished player, able to deal with the many intricacies the repertoire demands of her.”

    – Chris Kilvington, Classical Guitar (England)

    “Stepping back to the 18th-century masterworks gave her the opportunity to highlight her technique with a fresh light… her playing is thoughtful, vibrant and a delight to listen to.”

    — Terence Pender, Mandolin Quarterly (USA)

    “Marilynn Mair lives up to her reputation as an excellent mandolinist, with clear tone, a beautiful tremolo, and creative expressiveness.”

    – Zupfmusik Magazin (Germany)

    Marilynn Mair on mandolin…touches the deepest and most engaging reaches of the ancient and passionate ‘Latin soul’.

    – Carlos Agudelo, Billboard Magazine

    “A sparkling concert… absolutely brilliant!”

    – Guitar Magazine (England)

    “She’s a fabulous player with a wonderfully clear and lyrical sound.”

    – The Ottawa Citizen (Canada)

    “A lovely concert! We estimate your spell-bound and enthusiastic audience at close to 1800 people…”

    – Lincoln Center Out-Of-Doors (USA)

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    – Mike Caito, Providence Phoenix (USA)

    “Marilynn Mair has always had the keen ability to balance classical mandolin traditions and repertoire, while constantly breaking new musical ground…a superb and versatile mandolinist and composer.”

    – – Butch Baldassari, Mandolin Magazine (USA)