Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's lute works, masterfully interpreted by the renowned guitarist John C. Williams. Released on Sony Classical in 2011, "Bach: Werke für Laute" is a captivating journey through the baroque master's compositions, meticulously arranged for the guitar by Williams himself. Spanning a total of 63 minutes, this album features a collection of suites and preludes, originally composed for the lute, and here presented in a fresh, guitar-centric light.
The album opens with the Lute Suite in E Minor, BWV 996, a piece that showcases Williams' virtuosic technique and deep understanding of Bach's intricate compositions. The suite's movements, from the lively "Passaggio - Presto" to the intricate "Gigue," demonstrate the full range of the guitar's expressive capabilities. The Lute Partita in C Minor, BWV 997, follows, with its haunting "Prelude - Fuga" and the delicate "Sarabande" offering a poignant contrast to the suite's more energetic passages.
The Lute Suite in G Minor, BWV 995, rounds out the album with its own set of captivating movements, including the spirited "Gavottes I & II" and the lively "Gigue." The album concludes with the "Prelude in C Minor, BWV 999" and the "Fugue in G Minor, BWV 1000," providing a fitting finale to this exploration of Bach's lute works.
John C. Williams' interpretation of these timeless pieces is both respectful and innovative, offering a fresh perspective on Bach's music while staying true to the spirit of the original compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bach: Werke für Laute" is an album that promises to delight and inspire.
Vinylscout