A new Neapolitan mandolin, invented in the 1740s, featured a moveable bridge, end stringing, and wire courses, allowing for higher tension and greater volume than earlier models.
Historical Context
The 1760s saw a significant increase in the popularity of the Neapolitan mandolin in Britain, with instruments being sold in music shops across England.
Composer Biography
Francesco Weber, an Italian musician, featured the mandolin in London concerts and taught Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II, to play the instrument.
Instruments
The early 18th-century mandolin was a small, gut-strung instrument with a fixed bridge, often plucked with fingers, a quill, or a plectrum.
Historical Context
In the 18th century, mandolin performances were common in diverse settings, from operas to circuses, often alongside jugglers and tightrope walkers.
Composer Biography
Girolamo Stabilini, an Italian violinist, became a leading figure in Edinburgh's musical life in the late 18th century, often playing the mandolin in concerts.
Historical Context
In the early 18th century, the mandolin was largely unknown in London, with advertisements describing it as "an instrument not yet known" or "never Public here."
