Olivier Metra has composed some famous and often played pieces. La Serenade – a Spanish Waltz – is one of his big successes
I had previously heard the name Metra because some of his compositions are played by mandolin orchestras. But I haqve never played or really recognized one of Metras compositions.
But some time ago I could by a pack of sheet music that had belonged to a mandolin orchestra, and in this pack I found the music for La Serenade – Valse Espagnole by Olivier Metra. Metra died in 1889, and so the copyright for his compositions has expired.
So I have decided to add a scan of the music for La Serenade by Olivier Metra for mandolin orchestra (mandolin 1 and 2, mandola, guitar) to my page with free sheet music for the mandolin.
La Serenade is a composition that is very well suited for mandolin and guitar or mandolin orchestra, and I am sure that the audience will like La Serenade if it is played well.
I have found some videos of La Serenade at youtube. My favorite version is this video with Ralf Leen (mandolin) and Yvonne Azaert (guitar)
METRA – Sérénade Espagnole – Ralf Leenen & Yvonne Azaert
Sérénade Espagnole – (Olivier METRA)
live performance – 4th July 2010 “Les Petits Concerts du Sablon” : www.jacobnorden.be
Ralf Leenen, mandolin (Embergher N°7-1900 ex-Ranieri)
Yvonne Azaert, guitar (Ramirez III – 1976)
www.mandolin.be
Another interesting video is the following version played by the Victor Orchestra played from an old 78 record. I do especially like the Spanish snappers that are used to create the typical Spanish mood in this performance:
Waltz by Olivier Metra
Victor orchestra conduced by A. Cibelli
RCA Victor
Playlist Olivier Metra – La Serenade
With recordings with mandolin and guitar, mandolin orchestra, accordeon and others:
Additional Information
Wikipedia about Olivier Metra (German): http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivier_M%C3%A9tra
NAXOS biography of Olivier Metra: http://www.naxos.com/person/Olivier_Metra/24629.htm
Free sheet music for mandolin, mandolin orchestra, guitar, including La Serenade for mandolin orchestra by Olivier Metra: http://www.mandoisland.de/eng_kostenlose_noten.html
CD recommendation (Amazon partnerlink)