The Classical Mandolin

A "hidden" instrument in the classical music world, the mandolin's repertoire of original music remains largely unknown.

This book examines the lives and works of the mandolin's great composers and, together with Sparks's earlier "The Early Mandolin" (OUP 1989), provides the first comprehensive survey of the instrument's history.

The book also explores aspects of technique and looks at present-day orchestras and soloists.