CALACE PROJECT | Minuetto Lento Op. 59 - Eugenio Palumbo, Francesco Russo, Roi Dayan & Dor Amran

Raffaele Calace (1863-1934)

Minuetto Lento Op. 59 for mandolin quartet

Eugenio Palumbo, mandolin
Francesco Russo, mandolin
Roi Dayan, mandola
Dor Gidon Amran, mandoloncello

The second of the four classical mandolin quartets composed by Raffaele Calace, Minuetto Lento Op. 59 stands out as one of the most refined works in the plucked string chamber repertoire. First performed in 1915, the piece is dedicated to Dr. Kenij Kika (1896–1932), a Japanese mandolinist and guitarist who, in 1924, founded the mandolin orchestra of Kyoto University and later established the “Kyoto Plectrum Society.”

In this work, Calace reveals the great expressive potential of the mandolin quartet without guitar, showcasing a rich and balanced texture that enhances the dialogue among the instruments. The Minuetto Lento follows the traditional ternary form of the minuet, opening in E-flat major and moving into a contrasting trio section in A-flat major, evoking a graceful dance with intimate and melancholic shades.

This piece has accompanied my journey of discovering Calace’s music since the earliest years of my studies. With heartfelt gratitude, I thank Francesco, Roi, and Dor, three talented young performers and friends, for joining me in recording this gem of Calace’s repertoire.

Recorded in « Groundfloor Studio », Modena (Italy) on 14 march 2025