Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical guitar with John C. Williams' "The Guitar Album," released in 1994 on Sony Classical. This exquisite collection spans a generous 2 hours and 18 minutes, featuring a diverse array of compositions that showcase Williams' virtuosity and the guitar's remarkable versatility.
The album opens with John Williams' arrangement of Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042, a piece that highlights the guitar's ability to mimic the violin's agility and expressiveness. The program continues with Vivaldi's Concerto in G Major, RV 532, and a selection of solo pieces, including Passacaglia and Sonata in D Major by Scarlatti, and the iconic Prélude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, transcribed for guitar by Williams himself.
Williams' arrangements of Handel's Organ Concerto in F Major, Op. 4 No. 5, and Vivaldi's Trio in C Major, RV 82, demonstrate his skill in adapting orchestral works for the guitar, while his renditions of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez and Granados' 12 Danzas Españolas, Op. 37, pay homage to the rich musical traditions of Spain. The album also features works by Albéniz, Tarrega, and Piazzolla, showcasing Williams' ability to navigate diverse styles and genres with ease.
Complementing these classics are Williams' own compositions, including the Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra, and a selection of pieces inspired by his travels and experiences, such as Scherzino Mexicano and the evocative Recuerdos de la Alhambra. The album concludes with a vibrant collection of Venezuelan waltzes and Piazzolla's Las 4 Estaciones Porteñas, arranged by Benito Benitez.
Throughout "The Guitar Album," John C. Williams' masterful playing and insightful interpretations bring each piece to life, making this a captivating journey through the world of classical guitar music.
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
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
