Raffaele Calace (Naples 1863-1934) is without doubt the most important figure in the history of the Neapolitan mandolin. Born into a family of luthiers he took over the workshop of instrument manufacturing, developing in the course of the years several new instruments, like the Concerto Mandolin, the Mandocello or the Liuto Cantabile and the Archlute, a sort of plucked double bass to be used in mandolin orchestras. Needless to say he was also considered one of the greatest mandolin virtuosos of his time, performing in Europe, the USA and Asia, where he played for the Japanese Emperor. He also founded an important publishing house, the Edizione Raffaele Calace.

This new recording features original works by Calace, highly attractive character pieces with titles like Tarantella, Fantasia Poetica, Idillio, Elegia and Danza Spagnola.

Played with total dedication and amazing skill by the Motus Quartet, consisting of two mandolins, a mandola and a liuto cantabile.

The booklet contains an extensive text on the composer and his works, in English and Italian.

Calace, Raffaele (1863-1934) Works Calace: Danza Caratteristica, Op.61 Calace: Danza Esotica, Op.165 Calace: Danza Spagnola, Op. 105 Calace: Elegia, Op.131 Calace: Fantasia Poetica, Op.56 Calace: Idillio, Op.58 Calace: Largo mesto, Op.144 Calace: Minuetto Lento, Op.59 Calace: Saltarello, Op. 79 Calace: Tarantella, Op. 18th