Gymnopedie for piano No. 3 [For Guitar and Small Orchestra] - John Williams,
Lamento di Tristano, estampie
Ductiae
Saltarellos 1-4 (GB-LBl Add.29987)
I. Aeolian Chant
I. Double Dance
III. Ballad
IV. Toccata
I. St?l?
II. Dervish
III. Bronze Apollo
IV. Web
No.1
No.2
Music both old and new, but all of it inspired by the timeless modal harmony of medieval and Mediterranean cultures: this is the subject of John Williams's brilliant guitar disc for Sony, which also features his debut as a... more » composer. The main work is his own "Aeolian Suite" for guitar and chamber orchestra, based on both original and 14th-century tunes (one of which, the "Saltarello," appeared on early-music pioneer David Munrow's disc called Instruments of the Middle Ages). The suite is a lovely piece of writing, deftly composed, and neither tacky nor pretentious. It's paired with an inspired assortment of spiritually related but diverse arrangements and original pieces by Satie, Theodorakis, Domeniconi, and an emotionally intense four-movement work called "Stélé," by Australian composer Phillip Houghton. Naturally, Williams performs each piece expertly, but most important, he makes his instrument sing, and that's just what the music demands. Simply super. --David Hurwitz« less
Music both old and new, but all of it inspired by the timeless modal harmony of medieval and Mediterranean cultures: this is the subject of John Williams's brilliant guitar disc for Sony, which also features his debut as a composer. The main work is his own "Aeolian Suite" for guitar and chamber orchestra, based on both original and 14th-century tunes (one of which, the "Saltarello," appeared on early-music pioneer David Munrow's disc called Instruments of the Middle Ages). The suite is a lovely piece of writing, deftly composed, and neither tacky nor pretentious. It's paired with an inspired assortment of spiritually related but diverse arrangements and original pieces by Satie, Theodorakis, Domeniconi, and an emotionally intense four-movement work called "Stélé," by Australian composer Phillip Houghton. Naturally, Williams performs each piece expertly, but most important, he makes his instrument sing, and that's just what the music demands. Simply super. --David Hurwitz
Easily the Greatest Classical Guitarist in our Time
12/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"John Williams is simply the greatest classical guitarist of our time. No one has recorded a greater variety of classical guitar music, nor has anyone attained the consistent technical excellence of Mr. Williams. His recent recordings are very "warm." I would also like to recommend "From the Jungles of Paraguay," in which Mr. Williams records only works of Augustin Barrios. Both discs are standouts. For the neophyte, I would recommend "From the Jungles of Paraguay." For the more adventurous, "The Guitarist" is a fine, if serious, recording. Enjoy!"
Williams Continues to Please & Impress
rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 06/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just recently introduced to this outstanding classical guitarist, I remain thirsty for more of his fine recordings.This is just a delightful compilation of some composers am already familiar with (i.e. Satie and Houghton) but to my great joy introduced me to the wonderful compositions for guitar and small orchestra of Theodorakis, Domeniconi and Williams himself with a knockout piece entitled "Aeolian Suite for Guitar and Small Orchestra."This is such lyrical and flowing sounds. Stimulating to listen to and continue to gain appreciation for this talented artist and composers."
The greatest guitarist of our time
D. V. Gulliver | Salem, OR USA | 01/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is yet another fantastic work from the legendary John Williams. Here he breaks new ground with an all Mediterranean album completely eschewing his earlier Spanish work. Particularly moving are his transcriptions for guitar of Satie's works for solo piano. His semi-original composition, "Aeolian Suite" for guitar and chamber orchestra, (his own writing combined with traditional) is hauntingly good. This is his best work since the joint effort Sky albums of the '70's and '80's."
A masterpiece by the master
R. Webb | Brooksville, Fl. United States | 04/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The greatest tribute any artist can give to their instrument is to take it beyond where they found it. Mr. Williams has certaintly done this here. My personal favorites are the 'Three Epitafios' by Mikis Theodorakis, named after Pre Easter services in the Greek Orthodox Church. This is certainly a wonderful addition to the classical guitar repertoire by the esteemed Theodorakis. Composer Carlo Domeniconi,s 'Koyumbaba' is in perfect contrast to the Epitafios. With its haunting C sharp minor tuning this suite of pieces has an almost middle eastern oud quality. The 'Aeolian Suite' is Mr. William,s own composition for guitar and Orchestra and proves himself equal to the composers listed on this recording. As with his other recordings he transports the classical guitar to new avenues of technic and substance. Not allowing it to become stagnet or a monument to the Segovia legacy. In addition, the guitar that Greg Smallman made (which is used on this cd) sounds superb. This is another one of Mr. William's excellent performences."
The Guitarist John Williams
D. V. Gulliver | 08/20/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
""The" Guitarist, John Williams. I rated this a 4 star only because I'm not that crazy about the Houghton compositions and the last set of Gymnopedies. But, John Boy, please compose for us another fine guitar work (with or without orchestra)! Aeolian Suite is mighty fine--the more I hear it, the more I like it. I first heard Koyunbaba performed by Christopher Parkening in a concert in 1996, but was I delighted to find out that Williams had recorded this mesmerizing work a few years later. I also really like the Epitafios. But as I said, I hope Williams composes another work for a future recording. By the way, happy 60th birthday, Mr. Williams. We look forward to another decade of fine music from you."