About this Artist

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• Interview

Editorial Reviews

Of the many classical guitarists who followed in the path-breaking footsteps of Andrés Segovia, few have done as much as John Williams to broaden the instrument's popular appeal. Williams has been making recordings for 30 years now, and this overview of his career illustrates why the Romance of the Guitar is so timelessly seductive. All of the favorite facets of the instrument's repertoire are included here: transcriptions of baroque works for lute or keyboard; flavorful music of Spain by Albéniz and Falla; Latin American dances of Piazzolla and Lauro; and sentimental delicacies by Fauré and Satie. Williams has branched out beyond the norm, too, playing lyrical new works by Leo Brouwer, Mikis Theodorakis, and others, and even performing traditional Celtic tunes as guitar duets with Timothy Kain. Three of the selections were recorded especially for this release, including a traditional "Romance" arranged for guitar and string orchestra, the South American song "El Condor Paso," and Fauré's "Pavane." The moods range from the soothing to the invigorating, and Williams's mastery of the instrument is obvious whether subtlety or virtuosity is required. Culminating in the most romantic guitar piece of all, the Adagio from Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez," this album is both a highly enjoyable collection of the guitar's greatest hits and a stellar tribute to John Williams's artistry. Scott Paulin, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

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