1924 Raffaele Calace in Japan

[Beanzy]

Video of Raffaele Calace on his tour of Japan in 1924-25



from “Napoli Novecento” channel on YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCR9zo9bbzChm5fB7MvfpTMQ

[Mandophile]

Any thoughts as to Calace's interest? opening up the island to buying Neapolitan bowlbacks? I would love to learn more about this trip.

[thesecretmandolinist]

I do know for every F style I find I see 100's of bowlbacks. Classical mandolin is fairly popular here and there is a dedicated shop a few miles from my house.

[Jim Garber]

According to Paul Sparks ("The Classical Mandolin"), there was interest in mandolin music in Japan as early as the mid-1890s. Samuel Adelstein of the US toured there in 1894.

As for Calace, here is Spark's account from p.151 of his book:

The instrument received a tremendous fillip in 1924–5, when Raffaele Calace made an extensive tour of Japan, giving mandolin and liuto recitals in Tokyo (28 December 1924), Kyoto (17 January 1925), and Nagoya (18 January). At a later concert in Tokyo, given with the Orchestra Sinfonica Takei (31 January 1925, in the Hochi Kodo auditorium: Illustration 23), the programme included the Sonatina and Adagio by Beethoven, six of Calace's own pieces (Pavana', Op. 54, Rondo, Op. 127, 'Serenata malinconica', Op. 120, Serenata gaia', Op. 75, ‘Elegia’, Op. 131 (first performance), and 'Danza spagnola', Op. 105), and two works by Takei (La caduta della pioggia, Op. 11, and Dalla tristezza alla gioia, Op. 9). On 10 February, he performed before Prince Regent (later Emperor) Hirohito, after which he was awarded the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure. He also made several recordings for the Nîtto company, and gave lessons to Suzuki (who later continued to study with him in Naples) before returning to Italy, sailing from Kobe on 14 February.

[Joe Bartl]

He also made several recordings for the Nîtto company

Are these available anywhere?

[Jim Garber]

Are these available anywhere?

I imagine you would have to check in Japan.