Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical guitar with John C. Williams' "The Guitar Album," a masterful collection released in 1994 on Sony Classical. This two-hour and eighteen-minute opus showcases Williams' extraordinary virtuosity and his deep reverence for both classical and Spanish musical traditions.
"The Guitar Album" is a testament to Williams' versatility and artistry, featuring a diverse array of compositions that span centuries and styles. From the delicate intricacies of J.S. Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major, expertly arranged for guitar and orchestra by Williams himself, to the fiery passion of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez," this album is a journey through the rich tapestry of classical guitar music.
Williams' interpretations are nothing short of breathtaking, each piece performed with a technical precision and expressive depth that only a master of his caliber can achieve. The album includes beloved works such as Isaac Albéniz's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and "Sevilla," as well as lesser-known gems like the "12 Danzas Españolas" and "4 Valses Venezolanos," all arranged specifically for Williams' guitar.
In addition to his own arrangements, Williams collaborates with other renowned artists, such as Antonio Díaz and Benito Benitez, to bring fresh perspectives to classic pieces. The result is an album that is as engaging as it is enlightening, offering a unique glimpse into the world of classical guitar.
Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "The Guitar Album" is a treasure trove of musical delights that will captivate and inspire. With its meticulous attention to detail and Williams' unparalleled skill, this album is a true celebration of the guitar and its enduring legacy in classical music.
(P) 1994 Sony Music Entertainment (Holland) B.V.
Tracks
Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): I. AllegroJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): II. AdagioJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): III. Allegro assaiJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Concerto in G Major, RV 532: I. AllegroJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Benjamin Verdery, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Concerto in G Major, RV 532: II. AndanteJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Benjamin Verdery, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Concerto in G Major, RV 532: III. AllegroJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Benjamin Verdery, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
PassacagliaJohn C. Williams
Sonata in D Major, K. 159, L. 104John C. Williams
Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude (Transcribed for Guitar by John Williams)John C. Williams
Bourrée alla PolaccaJohn C. Williams
Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, HWV 293 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): I. LarghettoJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, HWV 293 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): II. AllegroJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, HWV 293 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): III. Alla sicilianaJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, HWV 293 (Arranged by John Williams for Guitar and Orchestra): IV. PrestoJohn C. Williams, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Kenneth Sillito
Trio in C Major, RV 82: I. Allegro non moltoJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Trio in C Major, RV 82: II. LarghettoJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Trio in C Major, RV 82: III. AllegroJános Rolla, John C. Williams, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
Concierto de Aranjuez: I. Allegro con spiritoJohn C. Williams, Louis Frémaux, Philharmonia Orchestra
Concierto de Aranjuez: II. AdagioJohn C. Williams, Christine Pendrill, Louis Frémaux, Philharmonia Orchestra
Concierto de Aranjuez: III. Allegro gentileJohn C. Williams, Louis Frémaux, Philharmonia Orchestra
12 Danzas Españolas, Op. 37: No. 5, Andaluza (Arr. J. Williams for Guitar)John C. Williams
Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47: No. 3, Sevilla (Sevillanas) [Arranged by John Williams for Guitar]John C. Williams
Recuerdos de la AlhambraJohn C. Williams
Sueño en la florestaJohn C. Williams
Waltzes, Op.8: No. 4 in G MajorJohn C. Williams
Scherzino Mexicano (Arr. A. Díaz for Guitar)John C. Williams
Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra: I. Allegro precisoDaniel Barenboim, John C. Williams, English Chamber Orchestra
Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra: II. Andantino e andante - CadenzaDaniel Barenboim, John C. Williams, English Chamber Orchestra
Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra: III. Allegretto non troppoDaniel Barenboim, John C. Williams, English Chamber Orchestra
4 Valses Venezolanos: No. 3, Natalia "Vals Criollo"John C. Williams
El NiqoJohn C. Williams
Maria LuisaJohn C. Williams
Las 4 Estaciones Porteñas: II. Verano Porteño (Arr. B. Benitez)John C. Williams