Hi David,
I just don't see a gap of any sort in the Vivaldi D major concerto when played on mandolin. Perhaps you can be more specific as to what the gap might be.
I don't have the scores in front of me, but generally, if you assume the leuto part to be played at the upper octave (often doubling the violins) there can be a very large "gap" between the musical lines, particularly in the two trios. As much as two and occasionally three octaves separate the parts. That seems a bit much. Assuming that the leuto part plays an octave down make more sense. Also, IMHO, having the leuto part double the violins at the same octave doesn't add much value, tonally speaking
I just don't see a definitive answer to the precise instrument at this time...
You are not alone, but some things are more likely than others. Best, Eric To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
