The son of a mandolin-maker, Raffaele Calace became a distinguished virtuoso of the instrument, creating new possibilities by technical modifications of the instrument. His Concertos, originally written for mandolin and piano, are substantial three-movement works which contrast, in both cases, a profound and striking first movement, a reflective and emotionally charged slow movement, and a skittish, virtuosic third movement. If a single musical example could demonstrate the range, emotion and expressiveness of the mandolin, it is the slow movement of Concerto No. 1.