Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar

by John Williams

Overview

The guitar gained international acceptance as a classical instrument only in the 20th century. In that time, however, few musicians achieved a reputation for utter mastery of the instrument equal to that of John Williams. This collection of bright moments from his illustrious career includes music from throughout the world, each highlighting an aspect of Williams' brilliance. While some of the works included in this album may be novelties for Williams, listeners will no doubt be familiar with them. The traditional tune 'Romance' is often performed by guitar students, but rarely with the delicacy found here. Simon and Garfunkel fans will recognize the Peruvian folksong, "El condor pasa," but will delight in Williams' performance of this arrangement. Revisiting Williams' classic recordings is an equal treat. The passion of the tango swells in Piazzolla's 'Verano porteno,' and the bright, dexterous fingerwork required in York's 'Sunburst' shows why Williams is recognized as one of the guitar's great masters. Whether performing solo or with a full orchestra, Williams brings out the sweetness, power and lyricism of his instrument.

Product Details

Release Date:	05/02/2000
Label:	Sony Classical
UPC:	0696998914124

Tracks

1. Romance
2. Pavane, for orchestra & chorus ad lib in F sharp minor, Op. 50
3. Sunburst for guitar
4. Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios, for guitar ("El Ultimo Tr¿¿molo;" "El Ultimo Canto")
5. Suite espa¿¿ola No. 1, for piano, Op. 47, B. 7~Asturias
6. Gymnopedie for piano No. 3
7. El Condor Pasa, traditional melody
8. The Deer Hunter, film score~Cavatina
9. Verano porte¿¿o, tango (incl. in Cuatro estaciones porte¿¿as [The Four Seasons])
10. Scherzino Mexicano, for guitar
11. Berceuse
12. Natalia, for guitar
13. Danza Espanola, for orchestra (from "La Vida Breve")
14. Mrs. Maxwell
15. Epitaphs No. 3, for guitar
16. Partita for lute in E major, BWV 1006a (BC L171)~Prelude
17. Sonata for keyboard in E major, K. 380 (L. 23) "Cort¿¿ge"
18. Trio Sonata for violin, lute & continuo in C major, RV 82~III. Allegro
19. Concierto de Aranjuez, for guitar & orchestra~Adagio

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Williams   Primary Artist,Guitar,Conductor
Philharmonia Orchestra   Orchestra
Janos Rolla   Violin
Christine Pendrell   Horn (English)
Timothy Kain   Guitar
William Goodchild   Conductor
Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Budapest   Orchestra
Louis Fremaux   Conductor

Technical Credits

Isobel Griffiths   Orchestra Contractor
Antonio Lauro   Composer
Uli Schneider   Engineer
Andreas Stange   Engineer
Laraine Perri   Compilation Producer
Eleanor Becker   Editorial Director
Allen Weinberg   Art Direction
Agustin Barrios-Mangore   Composer
Janusz Kawa   Photography
Gyorgy Kadar   Producer
Dr. Steven E. Paul   Producer
Michael Stavrou   Engineer
Bolivian Traditional   Composer
Anonymous Composer   Composer
Andrew York   Composer
Turlough O'Carolan   Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach   Composer
David Mottley   Producer
Leo Brouwer   Composer
Joaquin Rodrigo   Composer
Mike Ross-Trevor   Engineer
Nathan Waks   Producer
Manuel Ponce   Composer
Astor Piazzolla   Composer
Manuel de Falla   Composer
Gabriel Faure   Composer
Erik Satie   Composer
Antonio Vivaldi   Composer
Stanley Myers   Composer
Isaac Albeniz   Composer
John Williams   Producer,Liner Notes,Compilation Producer
Lisa Stevens   Product Manager
Mikis Theodorakis   Composer
Domenico Scarlatti   Composer