Spanish Guitar Music - John Williams [Import]

Track Listings

1. Asturias

2. Tango

3. Canarios

4. Fandango

5. Nocturno

6. El Colibri

7. Sonat In D

8. The Corregidor's Dance

9. Fisherman's Song

10. The Miller's Dance

11. Madronos

12. La Nit De Nadal

13. El Noy Del La Mare

14. La Maja De Goya

15. Cordoba

16. Recuerdos De La Alhambra

17. Spanish Dance No. 5

18. El Testamen De Amelia

19. Prelude No. 4 In E Minor

20. Sevilla

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Albeniz: Asturias
Albeniz: Tango
Sanz: Canarios
Rodrigo: Fandango
Torroba: Nocturno
Segreras - El Colibri
Albeniz: Sonata in D
De Falla: The Corregidor's Dance
De Falla: Fisherman's Song
De Falla: The Miller's Dance
Torroba: Madronos
La Nit de Nadal
El Noy de la Mare
Granados: Ma Maja de Goya
Abeniz: Cordoba
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Granados: Spanish Dance No. 5
El Testamen de Amelia
Villa-Lobos: Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Albeniz: Sevilla
De Falla: Homanaje
Mudarra: Fantasia
Turina: Fandanguillo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Spanish Classical Guitar Music.......2005-09-18

As a sampler, this CD is an excellent introduction both to Spanish classical guitar music and to guitarist John Williams.
The music ranges from Renaissance composers (Sanz, Mudarra) and harmonized folk melodies to standard 20th Century works (Rodrigo, Torroba etc).

John Williams is excellent throughout. The CD is also cheap, and can be used either just for enjoyment, or further to explore other recordings by Williams, the classical guitar repertoire, or other classical guitarists.

As a marketing ploy, it is very effective.

For the collector or classical guitar enthusiast, the chief disadvantages of the CD are duplication of other recordings, and that the way at least some of the works on this CD are listed isn't helpful in telling the listener the set(s) to which these pieces belong and how to find them (e.g. "from ______, Op # "). The font listing the titles and track numbers is small and somewhat hard to read.

However, this CD should attract many listeners and enthusiasts both to the classical guitar, the repertoire, and guitarist John Williams - and I'm all for that.

Over 70 minutes playing time.

Recommended.

The guitar is an orchestra in miniature!.......2005-02-05

This admirable concept belongs to Hector Berlioz and it must not be a surprise the best guitarrists in the story have in common this trademark.

John Williams has always known the delicate equilibrium between the expresiveness and the glamouer. His impresive technique however is not exposed as his prima edonna. He goes directly to the soul of the composer, melts in his spirit and let the music sharp the qith eloquent conviction the composer's demanded atmosphere.

From Granados to Albeniz, from Rodrigo to Agustin Barrios - El indio Mangore -, from Moreno Torroba to Ponce , you will find the warmth, the passion and the Midas touch of this golden guitarrist.

GUITAR MAJESTY.......2004-12-21

John Williams is a true Guitar virtuoso. His repetoire is very extensive and I use his music in my office while I work at my daily office duties. This album is a must for all guitar enthusiasts old or young.

Sweet, sweet music, an essential addition to your collection.......2004-12-07

I originally bought this album three years ago, looking for a good introduction to Spanish guitar music. And this one fits that need perfectly. I still listen to and enjoy it today. I play this for guests at happy hour or dinner for a relaxed atmosphere. At Amazon's current price, this is a great value.

A True Classic.......2004-01-26

This album/cd is extraordinary. All the songs are gorgeous and exciting to listen to. John Williams' interpretation and technique are perfect. After 22 years of listening to it, I still enjoy and appreciate it more every time. I love giving it as a gift.

Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration

Average customer rating:

cello lover
99% perspiration
Immortal Legend
Epitome of Cello
Ooo! Samples!

Jacqueline du Pré - a lasting inspiration
Antonin Dvorak , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edward Elgar , Maria Theresia von Paradis , Robert Schumann , Felix Mendelssohn , Gabriel Faure , Johann Sebastian Bach , Camille Saint-Saens , Manuel de Falla , Max Bruch , Ludwig van Beethoven , Johannes Brahms , Cesar Franck , Chicago Symphony Orchestra , London Symphony Orchestra , Daniel Barenboim , Sir John Barbirolli , Jacqueline du Pré , Pinchas Zukerman , Roy Jesson , Gerald Moore , John [guitar] Williams , and Osian Ellis
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Jacqueline du Pre - Favourite Cello Concertos ~ Boccherini, Dvorak, Elgar, Haydn, Monn, Saint-Saens, Schumann
Jacqueline du Pre In Portrait
Jacqueline du Pré - Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Franck: Sonata in A / Barenboim
Cello for Relaxation
Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman & Jacqueline du Pré - Beethoven: Piano Trios

ASIN: B00000K4F9
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Cello Concerto In B Minor Op. 104: I. Allegro - Dvorak
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: I. Allegro moderato
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: II. Adagio
Cello Concerto No.2 In D: III. Allegro
Cello Concerto In E Minor: I. Adagio - Moderato
Cello Concerto In E Minor: II. Lento - Allegro molto
Cello Concerto In E Minor: III. Adagio
Cello Concerto In E Minor: IV. Allegro, Moderato, Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Sicilienne
Three Fantasy Pieces: I. Zart mit Audruck
Three Fantasy Pieces: II. Lebhaft
Three Fantasy Pieces: III. Rasch und mit Feuer
Sing Without Words in D, Op.109
Elegie In C Minor, Op. 24
The Toccata: Adagio
The Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Suite populaire espagnole: Jota
Kol nidrei, Op. 47
Piano Trio In B-flat 'Archduke', Op.97
Cello Sonata No.2 In F, Op.99
Sonata in A

Customer Reviews:

cello lover.......2007-05-31

Absoluty the best. It is no wonder she was the world premier cello artist!! Can't say enough. If you love cello, and classical music, this is a must have. Her whole collection is worth every penny!!!

99% perspiration.......2006-11-08

(4.5/5 stars) This is a two-disc collection of musical works, in which the great cellist Jacqueline du Pre plays. The first disc consists of three cello concerti by three different composers: Dvorak (Romantic), Haydn (Classical) and Elgar (Romantic). Very good music, though it might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about. Not to worry: just pop in Disc Two to find out. The second disc contains shorter works by a wider variety of composers. It also might just leave you breathless by its beauty. Saint-Säens' "The Swan" (from "Carnival of the Animals") is nearly indescribable in its elegance, with du Pre's cello dancing with a harp. This haunting recording should not be missed. Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" is magnificently gorgeous as well. Three fantasy pieces from Schumann, one of Mendelssohn's "Lieder Ohne Wörter" and a stunning Brahms sonata infuse this collection with genuine grace. Since these were recorded prior to the advent of digital recordings, you might hear a very slight hiss on some of the recordings. This is barely audible and really does not detract from the pleasure of listening to it. Each disc runs 75 minutes, making this inspiration last long indeed.

Immortal Legend.......2006-10-07

As a cellist, I grew up listening to Jacqueline Du Pre's recordings. Even now as a 35 year old, I'm still enthralled by her amazing talent. This is a great cd if one is looking for a wonderful introduction to this superb cellist or simply wants to savor her most well known recordings. Du Pre owned the "Elgar" concerto. No other words can summarize this fact. Other beautiful and moving pieces are here on this disc: Bruch "Kol Nidrei", Haydn "Concerto No.2", Faure "Elegie", Brahms "Concerto No.2". The cello is a difficult instrument to play due to the strength required in both hands. Du Pre's playing touches the heartstrings with both emotion and depth. The tone that she coaxes from her cello is amazing. Jacqueline Du Pre is a legend.

Epitome of Cello.......2006-06-23

As a cellist, I absolutely love du Pré's work. I actually found this CD when I was looking for a modern recording of "A Jacqueline du Pré Recital", a record compiled of pieces done between July 15, 1962 and April 1, 1969. The second CD in this set contains the same songs as that record.

The concertos on the first CD are spectacular, especially her rendition of the Elgar concerto which has defined the piece since she first performed it. The second CD, however, is just as wonderful as a collection of some of the most loved cello pieces. No cello recording complete without Saint Saen's "The Swan" and du Pré's version is the only one I've ever heard that I actually like. "Elégie in C minor" (composed by Gabriel Fauré) is one of my personal favorites especially since her rapport with the pianist is obvious and the two instruments blend in a way that makes the piece even more poignant.

Overall, this CD is a must-have for anyone who loves cello as a perfect sample of Jacqueline du Pré's work.

Ooo! Samples!.......2005-11-29

As far as the romantic period goes, Jacqueline Du Pre is my personal favorite 'cellist. Her sensitivity to put expression of the musical idea always outweighed the desire to appear impressive. There is a difference in being just a virtuoso and being a musician. A virtuoso has the capability to dazzle and amaze, but music is more than just being impressive, and Du Pre succeeds in becoming, in every sense, a musician first and foremost. The only complaint I have of this album is the fact that you only get one movement of each piece! Even so, this a wonderful "sample dish" of Du Pre's extraordinary playing, mainly meant to get you hooked so you can get more.

Average customer rating:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone
Together, first time
Masters
Very excellent CD.

Together/Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
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Bach: Lute Suites

ASIN: B000003FDM
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Suite For Two Guitars: Corant I
Suite For Two Guitars: Alman
Suite For Two Guitars: Corant II
Duo In G, Op. 34: Largo
Duo In G, Op. 34: Rondo
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Cantabile
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Theme and Variations
L'encouragement, Op. 34: Waltz
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232, No. 4: Cordoba
Goyescas: Intermezzo
La vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
Dolly, Op. 56: Mi-a-ou
Dolly, Op. 56: Dolly's Garden
Dolly, Op. 56: Kitty-Valse
Dolly, Op. 56: Tendresse
Dolly, Op. 56: Spanish Dance
Danzas Espanolas, Op. 37, No. 2: Oriental

Customer Reviews:

Worth Getting Just For the Granados Spanish Dance Alone.......2006-02-12

Both Julian Bream and John Williams have been two of my favorites when it comes to classical guitar. Having them together on the same album, playing some of my favorite music is more than a treat; it is pure joy.

What I love is the fact that even though both are masters in their own rights, they were able to blend together their individual styles into an ensemble to create a set of moods which enhances the musical experience. All are wonderful, but they saved the best for last, the hauntingly beautiful Spanish Dance No. 2 of Granados. This is music that will have you stopping what you are doing just to listen to it. (If you are listening to this in the car, pull over please!) Although I have heard this piece before done by other greats, in the hands of Bream and Williams, it has been raised to heavenly heights, leaving the listener in a state between tears and great joy.

In summary, if you wish to own just one guitar album in your collection, this would be the one. My greatest regret is that I never had the pleasure of hearing either of them live on stage. The next best thing is this album.

Together, first time.......2002-07-22

Two of the classical guitar's brightest masters together for traditional as well as transcribed works from a number of different composers. Either of the guitarists at their peak (this was recorded in '71 and '78) would have been good enough to amaze you if you are a follower of the guitar and its traditional music, both of them together is something that must be heard. The recording is excellent (ADD - remastered, I believe, in '93) and the selection of music plays to their strengths as individual musicians. To hear these two rivals play together at the same time is enlightening. Essential.

Masters.......1999-06-09

Whoever would like to study or interest in classical guitar must listen to this record. They are the greatest masters.

ALGIN EROZAN

Very excellent CD........1999-04-27

I have heard this CD before, and ordered it from Amazon.com last Wednesday, Overnight shipping. This is Monday night, and it hasn't even shipped yet. Great CD, but go somewhere to buy it if you want it this century!

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams

Average customer rating:

The very best
Sublime
An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar

Together Again/ Julian Bream & John Williams

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Together/Julian Bream & John Williams
Julian Bream: The Ultimate Guitar Collection-Volume 2
Ultimate Guitar Collection
Bach: Lute Suites
Music of Spain

ASIN: B000003FDN
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Largo maestoso; Allegro moderato
Larghetto
Serenade In A, Op. 96: Finale
Rondella aragonesa
Spanish Songs, Op. 232, No.3: Beneath The Palm Tree
Zambra
Variazioni concertanti, Op. 130
Evocacion
Pavan
Galliard
Ouverture
Harlequinade
Laughter
Rigidon
The Fighters
Gigue
Reverie
Golliwog's Cakewalk
Clair de lune

Customer Reviews:

The very best.......2007-01-11

I have a large collection of classical guitar recordings. Quite simply, "Together Again" is the finest,best recordings of its genre ever made. It features arrangements that had never been before heard and that a big plus, for the normal repertoire for guitar is fairly small and we soon tire of hearng the same pieces again and again. The virtuosity of both Williams and Bream is unqustionalble. Bream sounds a bit steely at times. whereas Williams is soft. Together, they produce a magnificent sound.

Sublime.......2006-03-14

The two foremost virtuosos of our time have come together once again to produce this sublime album.

What John Williams lacks in lyricism is easily compensated for by Bream and the result is outstanding.

Their chemistry is so amazing and the pieces come to life in such a cohesive way that I sometimes think it is one person with 10 fingers on each hand playing the pieces.

Not every piece is easily accessible, so give it time.

Highly recommended.

An excellent CD for anyone who loves the classical guitar.......2000-06-12

This CD is a must have for all lovers of the classical guitar. As is the case of the first album, aptly named "Together", the modern masters of the classical guitar, Bream & Williams, join forces again in order to achieve some spectacular results.

The main problem of playing a classical guitar is the genuine lack of material, apart from those (relatively few) pieces which were originally written for the guitar. Furthermore, being a fairly limited instrument, the guitar limits severely the possibilities of adapting various classical pieces which were not written originally for the guitar. Thus, Bream & Williams, set out on a mission - to achieve what is not possible on one guitar, by playing a duet of classical guitars. Hence, almost all the compositions here are adaptations, but this is by no means a bad thing - the arrangements very cleverly hides the limits of the instruments, while emphasizing it's intimate and warm nature.

Two of the most notable of these adaptations are "Evocacion", from Albeniz "Suite Iberia" and "Bajo la palmera" from "Cantos de Espana", both of which were written for piano. It is well worth mentioning that many of Albeniz compositions were based on traditional spanish tunes, played originally on guitars. Thus, by playing these truly great pieces on classical guitars, Bream & Williams are restoring some of the magic which allured Albeniz to these tunes in the first place. One might also feel these tunes sound actually more natural played on two guitars rather than on a piano.

Other interesting adaptations are the three pieces by Debussy, which are very melodic and are very suitable to be played on guitars.

Tracks:

'Not While I'm Around'
The Sound Of Music: 'Edelweiss'
'Wiegenlied'
'Gestilte Sehnsucht'
'Geistliches Wiegenlied'
'Wiegenlied (Wie sich der Auglein)'
'Sandmannchen'
The Consul: 'Mother's Aria'
'Brezairola' (Berceuse)
Chants d'Auvergue: 'Oi Ayai'
'Ar hyd y nos' (All Through The Night)
'Sehnsucht nach dem Fruhling'
'Lass mich schlummern, Herzlein, schweige'
Siete Canciones populares espanolas: 'Nana' (Berceuse)
'Cancion de cuna para dormir a un negrito'
'The Little Horses' (Lullaby)
'Cantiga de Ninar' (Baby's Goodnight Song)
'Susse, susse Sommernacht'
'Wiegenlied' (Schlafe, schlafe, holder susser Knabe)
Into The Woods: 'Stay With Me'

Amazon.com

This record is most notable for its performances. Kirchschlager's singing is ravishingly beautiful and deeply expressive; the pianists and other instrumentalists are all first rate. Its content seems designed less for consistent musical quality and a balanced program than for variety and popular appeal. Yet the predominantly slow songs induce a certain monotony, and Mozart and Menotti, Brahms and Broadway musicals make strange stylistic bedfellows. However, many gems stand out in the mix: the two Brahms songs with viola, in which the renowned Yuri Bashmet is unfortunately almost inaudible; two Schubert Cradle Songs, one famous, one unknown; several enchanting Spanish songs; a Haydn arrangement of a Welsh lullaby better known as "All through the Night"; a lovely romantic song by Zemlinsky; and a lush, soaring one by Miguel Kertsman written for Kirchschlager and just right for her expressively inflected voice. She identifies with every idiom and pours so much care and affection into each song that one can well imagine a loving mother singing to her child, and indeed the record is dedicated to her little son. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Gentle crossover that gets a bit sleepy.......2006-06-01

When Sony's artist executives were German, they tried to promote the young Austrian mezzo Angelika Kirchschlager, but because of her difficult name (I am guessing) and the slackening classical music market, she never caught on. Today Kirchschlager is a star in Europe, and one sees her name on the Met roster. This, her second CD, is a gentle recital of lullabies, made more varied by adding Broadway tunes into the mix and bringing in star musicians like John Williams on guitar and Yuri Bashmet on viola.

The result is winning and thoroughly professional. Kirchschlager sings especially well in English, with a hybrid British-American accent but almost no German mannerisms. The closest comparison in terms of high mezzos would be with von Otter, and Kirchschlager's voice is at least as beautiful. But she lacks von Otter's imaginaiton, and after a while everything sounds a bit too square and placid--after all, these songs may be for babies, but the intended audience is also adults who go to lieder recitals, isn't it?

An Example of When Crossover Works.......2006-01-09

Angelika Kirchschlager is well known on the operatic stage and in chamber and orchestral programs where her forte is Mozart and Bach. Hers is a voice creamy rich and produced with incredible intelligence. She is also a communicator - in recital, in opera, in anything she does. It comes as no surprise then that an artist of this caliber (or her agent....!) is able to set the standard for the now ubiquitous 'crossover album' that most of the major singers find it necessary to make to gather in more admirers.

Selecting a wide variety of lullabies with varying settings feels so natural in Kirchschlager's elegant mezzo-soprano voice. Other artists have produced recitals of lullabies: Dawn Upshaw and Richard Goode immediately come to mind. But in this album, though not all of the works are of genius quality, Kirchschlager gives each her considerable talent and the result is a little night music that is equally as lovely for adults as for the intended audience of children (and of course their parents...).

With fine support from the London Metropolitan Ensemble, pianists Roger Vignoles and Helmut Deutsch, guitarist John Williams and violist Yuri Bashmet among others, Kirchschlager offers a rich variety of songs from Mozart, von Weber, Haydn, Brahms, Schubert, Canteloube, de Falla, Copeland, Sondheim, Rogers and Hammerstein and Zelimsky. And no matter the language or the setting they all work. This is an album to cherish and share and raises the respect for Angelika Kirchschlager even higher. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, January 06

Lullabies for All Ages.......2005-07-13

I bought this CD as a gift for my first grandchild to introduce her to the world of classical music. But when I played it, it enchanted me and my grandchild's parents even more than it did the baby. Angelika Kirschlager is a young Austrian mezzo-soprano who had previously been unknown to me. She sings these simple songs with a beautiful round warmth of tone.

The twenty selections on this CD include Brahms famous lullaby together with two lesser-known songs of Brahms accompanied by piano and viola. Schubert's two lullabies are included, and they are melting. There is a Mozart song (the theme of which he used in the third movement of his final piano concerto) and a Haydn arrangement of the Welsh folk -song "All Through the Night", which features an accompanying trio of violin, cello, and piano.
Aaron Copland's arrangement of "All the Pretty Little Horses" will delight young listeners, and there are songs by Richard Rogers, Steven Sondheim, C.M. Von Weber, and others to fill out an enchanting CD of music and dreams. Ms Kirschlager's singing is the highlight of this CD. She is accompanied well by a variety of pianists and by performers on the guitar, violin, cello, and flute. Texts and translations for the songs are included in the liner notes.

Although I bought this CD for my granddaughter, others dear to me have expressed interest, and I will be buying another copy.

Thanks to my Amazon friend Scott Morrison for recommending this CD and to the other perceptive reviewers of this lovely music.

Robin Friedman

A Wonderful Gift for a Baby!.......2005-02-15

Our family has just been blessed with a new grandson and one of my very thoughtful friends had the brilliant and generous idea to send the baby a copy of this wonderful collection of lullabies and nightsongs done so stunningly by the marvelous German mezzo, Angelika Kirchschlager. I am happy to report that the very first selection, Schubert's 'Wiegenlied' ('Cradle Song'), seemed to make him smile, even at his tender age. This bodes well for his developing discriminating musical taste because Ms Kirchschlager is a terrific singer. Her various accompanists provide sensitive support for her lovely and perfectly managed voice. She sings with impeccable diction in several languages and even in English I don't pick up any accent at all.

I must point out, however, that Amazon has listed the contents of this disc in an order different from that on the CD, but the musical samples they provide do match the titles listed.

Scott Morrison

Voice of an Angel.......2000-05-02

I was first introduced to Ms. Kirchlager three years ago and was instantly impressed. Her sumptuous voice and incredible beauty make her a delight to listen to, time and time again. When Night Falls, is only the most recent of what promises to be a long and impressionable career. From the ever popular "Edelweiss" to the easily recognizable "Wiegenlied", Ms. Kirchschlager approaches each song with the same heart-felt emotion as if she were singing to her own child. I have often listened to her CD late at night to help myself fall into my own sweet dreamland of "The Little Horses".

Average customer rating:

Brilliant in many ways
An inspiration
Spanish guitar
An incredible showcase of classic Spanish selections.

Spanish Guitar Music
John Williams
Manufacturer: Columbia/Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Flags of Our Fathers (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00000885B
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Asturias
Tango
Canarios
Fandango
Nocturno
Colibri
Sonata in D
Corregidor's Dance/Tanz des Corregidors/Danse du Corregidor/La Danza
Fisherman's Song/Fischerlied/Chanson de Peur/Canzone Di Pescatore
Miller's Dance/Tanz des M/La Danse du Meunier/La Danza del Mugn
Madro
Nit de Nadal
Noy de la Mare
Maja de Goya
Cordoba
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Spanish Dance No. 5
Testamen de Amelia
Prelude No. 4 in E Minor
Sevilla
Homanaje
Fantasia
Fandanguillo, Op. 36

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant in many ways.......2006-02-02

'The guitar is a genuinely Spanish instrument,' writes Uwe Kraemer, and it (along with the classical music for it) is one of the great gifts of Spanish culture to the world. The period of composition for guitar in Spanish culture began in the 1500s, and has never really faded. Guitarist John Williams (not to be confused with the composer of the Star Wars themes) is a master of this instrument, and has selected a repertoire of pieces spanning all four centuries of the instrument.

This is a solo album - all of the pieces here are arranged for single guitar. Some of the music is distinctively Spanish, while others bear a Catalan and Portuguese influence. Few of the composers on this album are well-known names in the Northern-European culture, but in the Latin culture, these are names that are known, and the music even more so.

From the earliest century of guitar music, composers such as Gaspar Sanz and Alonso Mudarra show the origins of this kind of work, which includes dissonances that occasionally sound like modern composition. There are pieces with lively spirit and power, inspiring dance in a more popular mode.

Mateo Albeniz has only one surviving composition; a church organist in the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century, he was influenced by Scarlatti and wrote for the harpischord - Williams has transcribed the piece for guitar here.

From the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, many composers were productive: Isaac Albeniz, Julio Sagreras, Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Joaquin Turina. Some like de Falla were very influenced by traditional Spanish stories and musical themes, whereas others like Granados drew inspiration from the broader aspects of European musical tradition. Villa-Lobos shows the transportation of Spanish music into the new world, becoming a noted name in Brazilian music (which, ironically, is the only major South American country without Spanish as its primary language).

Joaquin Rodrigo and Frederico Moreno Torroba represent composers in this grand style up to the present day.

John Williams' playing is technically sound and has flashes of emotional power and inspiration. Many pieces here are wonderful, but 'The Miller's Dance', the 'Fandango' and the Villa-Lobos 'Prelude No. 4 in E minor' stand out as the greatest of tracks here, being nothing short of brilliant.

An inspiration.......2002-12-05

5 years ago (when I was 18) I went to the mall and bought this cd on a whim. While listening to the first track (Asturias) on the way home, in my friends truck I said, "There is no way that's just one guitar. That's [bologna]"
Many classical guitarists play Albeniz's Asturias, but Williams gives it that extra kick by playing parts of the first theme at blazing speed in triplets, and with an incomprehensible control over volume and tone. Moreover, harping on full chords in the interim is no easy task.
Since then, and pretty much very quickly after I never played much electric guitar again. This disc has been a landmark and inspiration to me. As I play classical guitar by ear now (usually purchasing cd's, transcribing, then performing to a less-than-enthusiastic bar room crowd), I have transcribed almost every work on this disc. There's no doubt that this is a collection of some of the most important, influential, varied, and lusciously beautiful spanish compositions.
What makes John Williams' performances so memorable is the life he instills in the guitar. Unlike some more inexperienced players that want to put their personal touch on every note in a composition, he plays appropriately on every track and is careful in how and when he can and should not be expressive: The mark of a truly knowledgable performer.

Spanish guitar.......2002-03-18

This is a great compilation of spanish pieces. John Williams is, without question, one of the greatest classical guitarist alive today in the media.

An incredible showcase of classic Spanish selections........1998-06-29

John Williams plays flawlessly on this CD. I myself play guitar, and to hear him play these selections is a humbling experience. I would recommend this album for anyone who like classical or plays any genre of guitar; a "must-have".

Average customer rating:

Forerunner to Sky

The Essential Collection

Manufacturer: Metro Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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The Ultimate Guitar Collection
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Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces

ASIN: B0009S2GNM
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

Romanza
Theme From Z
El Tuno
Dance Of The Living
Portrait
Lisa Larne
Wave
Feelings
Duet For Guitar And Koto
Dance Of The Emperor's Clouds
The River God
All At Sea Minor
Lorelei
JSB
Travelling
Horizon
Vacatina
A Derrin Dhu

Tracks:

Air On A G String
Because
Sarabande
Bach Changes
The Height Below
Raga Vilasakhani Todi
Nuages
Woodstock
If
Sans Souci
Cavatina
Dance Of The Dead
New Sun Rising
Pomegranite
Spanish Trip
Sambalaya
Good Morning Freedom
From The Top

Customer Reviews:

Forerunner to Sky.......2006-02-23

This CD is really a compilation of the 3 "experimental" albums John Williams did before his venture with the Prog Rock group Sky. So if you are a classical purist then you might not like this CD. Otherwise, it's a rare combination of songs from "Changes", "The Height Below", and "Travelling" - the 3 albums that eventually led to Sky. Also, a few songs from his work with Cleo Laine are thrown in.

The overall style of this CD is like a soundtrack (such as the music from "The Deer Hunter"). But it still features great guitar work as well (several from Bach). Williams' playing is clean and crisp - whether he is playing a straight classical piece or doing an accompanyment. You will see he is accomplished in both roles with this CD. Classical purists might consider this "light weight" but the rest of us call it accessable and interesting.

Average customer rating:

absolutely worth owning
Impeccable playing
Terrific collection of pieces
Gorgeous world music, in the truest sense....
Mantis and the Moon

The Mantis & the Moon: Guitar Duets

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Duets with Spanish Guitar

ASIN: B0000029NY
Release Date: 1996-12-10

Tracks:

La Vida breve: Dance
Goyescas: Intermezzo
Danza espanola No. 6
Sonata in A Major, R84
Songs From The Forest
3 Duets: I. The Mantis and the Moon
3 Duets: II. Lament
3 Duets: III. Alchemy
Carolan's Concerto: Allegro giocoso
Fanny Power
Planxty Madam Maxwell: Fast And Light
Micropiezas
Monte Carlo
Capitola
Prayer
Jongo
'Bad Boy' For Two Guitars
The Gad Fly, Op. 97: 'Guitars'

Customer Reviews:

absolutely worth owning.......2003-02-15

I have many classical guitar albums, including several by John Williams in solo, duet and concerti, and this is one of my favorites. The playing is virtuosic as is expected from Williams, but the repertoire is varied and includes litte known works, including a Shostakovich duet written for guitar! Some reviewers haven't cared for the "mediocre" compositions from Australia, Ireland and the Americas, but I have to strongly disagree. Brouwer can at times be difficult, but he's hardly a slouch. Besides, if these compositions were worthy to draw the attention of one of the greatest guitarists of all time (and a fine composer in his own right), I think they're worthy of ours!
Buy this album, listen to it a few times for familiarization, and enjoy it for years to come.

Impeccable playing.......2002-08-16

Williams and Kain display their considerable talents in playing with fire and reserve,virtuosity and taste and are generally close to perfect.The De Falla,Granados,Takemitsu,Hand,Soler and Shostakovich works are the standouts.The disappointing part of the album comes with the Westlake,Houghton,Brouwer and Verdery pieces.The greatest playing in the world can't disguise mediocre compositions.This is an overall good album but it does require skipping around a lot of superfluous stuff.
Get this one if you happen across a used copy.

Terrific collection of pieces.......2002-04-01

I have had this CD for several years, and still enjoy it as much as when it was first given to me. It is being passed around the family, as my son owned a copy, then bought me one, and I have just ordered a copy for my daughter-in-law.

Some of the pieces are familiar, but if you persevere, I am sure you will come to enjoy the works that are new to you.

I was sorry to see that one reviewer did not enjoy the Australian works. The Westlake piece [Songs from the Forest] is fairly light and very melodic. If you enjoy it, you should check out his Antarctica music, which exists in several different versions.

Kain's Guitar Trek recordings are also worth hunting for.

Gorgeous world music, in the truest sense...........2002-01-03

John Williams and Timothy Kain, two masters of their chosen instrument, with more in common than just the country of their birth. Kain's guitar teacher at the conservatory in Australia had studied with Williams' father, Len. Williams and Kain first worked together in 1992, and enjoyed the experience. The two men form a complimentary duo in both technique and approach to music. Their playing is flawless. Their duets are seamless.

On this disk, Williams and Kain "journey outside the confines of the classical guitar repertoire." What a magnificent journey it is, too! The Mantis & The Moon contains 18 selections by 12 composers, grouped together by the cultures of the 6 lands they represent...Spain, Australia, Ireland, the Americas, Japan, and Russia.

This is beautiful music performed by two of the greatest guitarists of our generation. These performances go beyond classical, folk, pop or the usual guitar "genre" pieces. Yet the music is lovely, enjoyable, and accessible to the listener. If you love guitar music, you owe it to yourself to pick up this CD.

Mantis and the Moon.......2001-12-13

Williams and Kain play very well as a duo. My favorite pieces on this CD are "Sonata in A," "Capitola," and "Jongo." "Sonata in A" is acoustical honey for the ears, as it epitomises Chopin's comment that nothing sounds sweeter than a guitar--except two guitars. "Jongo" is simply dazzling (but far from simple to perform). However, I don't like the Australian compositions (sorry about that critique of your Aussie mates, Mr. Williams). A few other selections are uninspiring as well. It may come as a surprise, but I prefer the Parkening and Brandon duo's performances of "La Vida Breve" and "Intermezzo" over Williams and Kain. Nonetheless, Williams and Kain put in some fine performances on this CD.

Average customer rating:

Pleasantly dull.
A MUSICAL PASSAGE OF DREAMS THROUGHTOUT THE GUITAR...

Guitar Dreams - Classics for a New Age

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Guitar for Relaxation
A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection

ASIN: B000003FWJ
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Reverie
Spanish Songs, Op. 232: Beneath the Palm Tree
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Andante
Petite Suite: Menuet
Spanish Dance No. 11
Airs de cour: A Pavan
Petite Suite: En bateau
Airs de cour: Allemande
Spanish Songs, Op. 232: Cordoba
The Four Seasons: Winter: Largo
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Pavane For A Dead Princess
Spanish Dance No. 2
Dolly, Op. 56: Berceuse
The Four Seasons: Spring: Largo
Dolly: Le jardin de Dolly
Suite bergamasque: Clair de lune

Customer Reviews:

Pleasantly dull........2003-12-27

Sorry, but I was quite disappointed in this cd, given the caliber of the performers. I found it pleasantly dull and will most likely trade it in for something else.

A MUSICAL PASSAGE OF DREAMS THROUGHTOUT THE GUITAR..........1999-11-06

THIS RECORDING ECHOES THE PASSION OF THE WORLD'S GREAT GUITARISTS FOR GRAND MUSIC. ONE CAN LISTEN TO THIS RECORDING FOR AN ENTRY INTO THE DREAM WORLD. ALL OF THE GUITARISTS ON THIS RECORDING ARE EXCEPTIONAL. THE JULIAN BREAM AND JOHN WILLIAMS DUETS ARE SUPERB. AS I LISTEN TO THEIR MASTERFUL SELECTIONS, I FEEL AS IF I AM WITHIN THEIR MISTS.THE TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIRED OF EACH PARTNER IN A MUSICAL DUET CAN BE IMPROVED BY DELICATE LISTENING. BREAM AND WILLIAMS DISCOVERED EACH OTHER'S MUSIC AS THEY PERFORMED IN THEIR DUETS.THIS RECORDING'S EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE BELONGS TO BREAM AND WILLIAMS FOR ALBENIZ "BENEATH THE SPANISH PALM TREE". TO DISCOVER THE CLASSICAL GUITAR'S VARIED SONGS, THIS CD IS AN EXCELLENT SYMPHONY. EACH GUITARIST ON THIS RECORDING HAS A JOYFUL SONG. ENJOY THEIR SWEET NECTAR FROM WITHIN THE PURE FRUIT OF THE GUITAR .

Average customer rating:

An outstanding eclectic collection

Violin: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music

ASIN: B0001AP1AI
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Rondo (Allegro) From Symphonie Espangnole In D Minor, Op. 21
Liebesleid
Liebesfreud
Scherzo Fantastiqui Op. 25 (La Ronde Des Lutins)
Hungarian Dance No. 1 In G Minor
Salut D' Amour Op 12
Preludio From Partita For Violin Solo No. 3 In E Minor
Allegro From Concerto No. 1 In E Minor
Gavotte & Rondo From Parita No. 3 In E Major, BMV 1006
Meditation From Thais
Caprice No. 24 In A Minor, Op.1
Humoresque In G-Flat Major
The Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Spanish Dance No. 5 Op. 37 ' Andaluza'
To Life From Fiddler On The Roof
Theme From Schindler's list
The Harry Lime Theme From The Third Man
Czardas

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding eclectic collection.......2005-11-25

The challenge in listening to this CD is finding a favorite selection in this excellent compilation. Antonio Bazzini's Scherzo fantastique, Op. 25, the fourth selection on this CD, is an electrifying performance. The Bazzini selection is played flawlessly and is filled with dynamic energy, playfulness, joy, and virtuoso pyrotechnics. There is a wide range of selections on this CD, spanning three centuries from the violin repertoire, from Bach's Violin Partitas to Anton Karas' "The Harry Lime Theme." The latter is not only beautiful but a lot of fun to listen to, with a melody, rhythm, and style of performance that reminded me more of the jazz violinist Stephane Grapelli than of classical violinists.

Two composers, Bach and Kreisler, are represented by two different selections, with a different violinist playing each one. Kreisler's Liebesleid is performed by Kyung Wha Chung, while on the very next track, Joshua Bell performs Kreisler's Liebesfreud. In the case of Bach, one selection from his Partitas for solo violin is performed magnificently and with great intensity and passion by Nathan Milstein. The other selection is performed by Gidon Kremer, who has a very different style. Even the most ardent admirers of Kremer recognize that his style and interpretations are not necessarily for everybody. In my own case, I prefer to listen to Nathan Milstein, Henryk Szeryng, Arthur Grumiaux, Iona Brown, Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zuckerman, Itzak Perlman, and, amongst the younger violinists, Maxim Vengerov and Joshua Bell.

But my tastes are probably more traditional and there's nothing wrong with giving people the opportunity to hear the individual performance style of Gidon Kremer, an internationally renowned violinist, especially on a CD that is meant to demonstrate the diversity of music and of performance styles that can be played on the violin. In fact, there is no denying Gidon Kremer's excellence in his performance of the Gavotte and Rondo from Bach's Partita No. 3.

The selection from Massenet, the Meditation from Thais, performed by Joshua Bell, it is a piece of sublime musical heaven, as is Arthur Grumiaux's performance of the Spanish Dance No.5 by Granados. As for Henryk Szeryng's performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's The Flight of the Bumble-Bee, it is one of the finest examples I have ever heard on the violin of brilliant virtuoso pyrotechnics. Every selection on this CD is excellent.

From the first selecion, with Shlomo Mintz performing Lalo's Rondo (Allegro) from the Symphonie espagnole, to the very last selection, of Roby Lakatos and His Ensemble playing Vittorio Monti's Czardas, I greatly enjoyed this entire CD. The sound quality on every selection is crystal clear. Very highly recommended.

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Music Track

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