Credits:

Duo Barbera

Description:

This is the first recording by Duo Barbera, mandolin (period instrument) players Masayo Yokouchi and Shozo Hisamatsu. In the 18th century, there were many different types of mandolins in different regions, and many works were written by unknown composers. However, most of them were written by unknown composers and were forgotten over time. Two mandolinists met with these buried mandolin works. They discovered that these works are precious pieces that should not be missed, inviting the listener into their world of elegance. Now, the sounds of 18th century mandolins are brought back to life here by two mandolins. Masayo Yokouchi (mandolin) was a student at Aoyama Gakuin Women's Junior College, where she was a member of the Plectrum Study Group. After graduation, she studied under Ikuko Takeuchi. She received instruction in mandolin ensemble for many years from the late Takehiko Nitori, former oboe player with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and won prizes at the 4th and 10th Japan Mandolin Solo Competitions. With his own ensemble, Il Mandolino Amabile, he won second prize in the B division of the 2nd Giacomo Sartori International Competition in Italy in 1999.In November 2009, he participated as principal in the TFB Mandolin Ensemble's overseas tour in Bistrica and Torgumureş, Romania; in 2013, he participated in music festivals in Cremona, Brescia, and Sicily; in 2016, he performed in the J Hall Rainbow Concert organized by Okayama University, performing with Hackbrett, She has performed with ancient instruments such as the Salterio and Baroque dance. Principal player of Ensemble Lapis Lazuli. Instructor of Miyaji Gakki MUSIC JOY Shinjuku Mandolin Department. Member of the Japan Mandolin Federation. Permanent director of the Japan Spanish Guitar Association. Shozo Hisamatsu (mandolin) began playing the mandolin in high school. Graduated from Seijo University, Faculty of Arts and Letters, majoring in music history. In 1992, released the CD "Sonatas for Mandolin and Organ of the 18th Century" from Sao Paulo AVC; in May 1995, released the CD "Classical Mandolin Works" from Sao Paulo; in November 2006, performed with the Amadei Mandola Ensemble and Chorus in a concert by the Fauré Quiet Ensemble. In November 2006, he conducted a concert of Faure's Requiem by the Amadei Mandola Ensemble & Chorus, and in May 2007, released a CD of liturgical chants, "Hymns of the Four Seasons - Praise to God according to the liturgical calendar" (conductor).Currently teaches at York Culture Center Yahashira, Soka, Kasukabe, and Kamagaya Culture Centers. Instructor at Tochigi Girls' High School Guitar and Mandolin Club. Coach of the mandolin club at Waseda University. Leader of the Amadei Mandolin Ensemble. Regulus