Immerse yourself in the virtuoso guitar artistry of John C. Williams with "The Guitar Album," a captivating collection released in 1994 on Sony Classical. This two-hour and eighteen-minute masterpiece showcases Williams' unparalleled skill and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions that span classical and Spanish influences.
The album begins with Williams' own arrangements of Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042, followed by Vivaldi's Concerto in G Major, RV 532, and Handel's Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5. These pieces demonstrate Williams' ability to adapt and reinterpret classical works for the guitar, bringing a fresh perspective to timeless compositions.
In addition to these classical arrangements, "The Guitar Album" features a selection of Spanish and Latin American pieces that highlight Williams' mastery of these styles. From the iconic "Concierto de Aranjuez" by Joaquín Rodrigo to the evocative "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and "Sueño en la floresta" by Francisco Tárrega, these tracks showcase Williams' ability to convey the passion and rhythm of Spanish music.
The album also includes several original compositions by Williams, such as the "Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra," which further demonstrate his compositional prowess. Additionally, Williams pays homage to his predecessors with transcriptions of works by Bach and Scarlatti, adding a historical dimension to the collection.
Throughout "The Guitar Album," John C. Williams' technical brilliance and expressive playing shine, making it a standout release in his discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical guitar or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(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