John Williams - Best CD

Subject: John Williams - Best CD
From: The Lighthouse
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 09:43 PM

This is about John Williams the fabulous classical guitarist - not the composer/conductor. Anyone know of any stand out recordings by him? Thanks.

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Benjamin
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 10:02 PM

I don't have much of Williams, but THe Seville Concert is a great album. I'd recomend it if your looking for your first Williams CD. Or if you don't have him plaing most of those peices on another CD.

BMW

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Mbo
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 10:05 PM

The best one is "Spanish Guitar Music" on the Sony Classical label. The album will just blow you away. John Williams IS the man! Though I never could ever play Prelude No.5 by Villa-Lobos as fast as John does!

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 02:39 PM

Agree with you Mbo. Concerto d'Aranjuaez by Rodrigo (sp?) is one of my favourites.

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Mbo
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 02:45 PM

Yep, Concierto de Aranjuez is a masterpiece by Rodrigo. It's even more moving if you know the story behind it. John Williams plays it better than anyone else in the world (even Pepe Romero).

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 03:03 PM

Mbo. 1. Yes it is
2. I do
3. He does
Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Micca
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 08:15 PM

you could try the 2 albums with Julian Bream, "Together" and "Together again" and there is a CD called "the Magic Guitar of John Williams",that is a transcription of 11 harpsichord Sonatas by Scarlatti, and that is definately the dogs B******ks.

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: The Lighthouse
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 08:38 PM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 09:05 AM

All good suggestions here. A more obscure one that is worth a listen, if you can find it, was called "John Williams and Friends". It was an unusual ensemble recording of two classical guitars, two marimbas(!), and bass (acoustic upright). It was incredible what this combination did for the music -- Bach, Handel, Mozart, and others. I used to have it on vinyl (it came out around 1908, I think), but have never come across it on CD. If you do find it, I recommend it highly.

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 10:48 AM

Actually, I think it came out around 1980 -- John Williams isn't quite that old.

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: bflat
Date: 04 Oct 00 - 09:08 PM

Can anyone tell me what his latest CD is? Any info on when he plans another release? Thanks.

bflat

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 05 Oct 00 - 11:31 AM

The "Seville Concert" and "Travelling" are probably two of his best. both available on Sony Classical.

Also If you want to catch him departing from his stately classical style look out for his work with the first two lineups of the band SKY where he and some other good session musicians give a jumpstart to Spanish and classical tunes with a rock twist. You won't hear Bach with the same ears ever again!

Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave T
Date: 07 Oct 00 - 08:44 AM

My personal favourite is "The Great Paraguayan: John Williams Plays Barrios", recorded in 1995. Agustin Barrios (1885 - 1944) may not be as well known as some other composers for guitar but well worth getting familiar with. The recording is impeccable. There are 17 tracks with an incredible range of mood, style and tempo. Simply my favoiurite classical guitar CD.
,Br> - Dave T