Wow! I just listened to the MP3 of Tsigankov, Impromptu in Country Style on the Russian Virtuosi Project page and it is fantastic! Thanks to much to the Guest for the heads up.

And I totally agree with you, Cluin, that we shouldn't limit the mando to any style. I haven't heard any style of music that I haven't liked on the mandolin. Even the 'lead guitar' playing that I first mentioned in this thread has its merits, in the context of the songs in which I heard it. I just thought it an odd way to approach playing the mandolin, that's all.

And I wouldn't worry about the instrument being just a fad, Cluin.   I've found mandolins being played in many different styles all over the world the last couple of years. It's fantastic!!

All the best, Áine