Our wonderful Sales & Distribution Manager – Amy Nelson – recommends Schubert’s Mandolin (released in November 2024).
“I am leaving PENTATONE at the end of February, and for my final ‘Pick at PENTATONE,’ I have chosen a digital-only EP from the wonderful Alon Sariel. His music and projects have been a joy to work on, and for me, he will always embody the level of beauty in music that I have come to admire and expect during my time here.
As soon as I play Alon Sariel’s digital-only EP, Schubert’s Mandolin, I’m immediately transported to a place of radiant sunshine, tranquil waters, and utter serenity. The comforting, nostalgic melody of Ave Maria becomes something truly magical on Alon’s mandolin. The soothing harp provides a graceful accompaniment, blending seamlessly with the mandolin in such a way that the two instruments intertwine beautifully, often indistinguishable from one another.
As the reflective and peaceful Ave Maria concludes, we are drawn into the serious and somber tones of Winterreise. Our sunny Mediterranean scene gives way to the chill of a cold, dark, and lonely winter’s evening. Alon’s mandolin conveys a profoundly mournful and haunting character, evoking an emotional depth that’s impossible to ignore.
Next comes the F Minor Moments Musicaux No. 3. Jaunty, playful, and even childlike, this piece is a delightful departure from the somber mood that precedes it. This toe-tapping “guilty pleasure” track allows the mandolin to shine in a style that feels more familiar for this instrument.
The EP concludes with Standchen from Schwanengesang, a fitting finale for this collection of Schubert on the mandolin. To me, Standchen is the ultimate mood re-setter. Its ambiguous tonality doesn’t lean strongly in any emotional direction, yet it fosters a sense of peace and tranquility. It gently reconnects us with the familiarity and comfort found at the start of the EP, leaving us refreshed and ready to continue.
The entire EP is an absolute delight. At just 14 minutes of music, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a tea-time break, a brief moment of escapism, or a chance to reset, reflect, and regain perspective.”
Amy Nelson, Sales & Distribution Manager
