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John Williams - Best CD

29 Sep 00 - 09:43 PM (#308634)
Subject: John Williams - Best CD
From: The Lighthouse

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


29 Sep 00 - 10:02 PM (#308645)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Benjamin

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


29 Sep 00 - 10:05 PM (#308647)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Mbo

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!


30 Sep 00 - 02:39 PM (#309072)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)

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


30 Sep 00 - 02:45 PM (#309079)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Mbo

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).


30 Sep 00 - 03:03 PM (#309096)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)

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


30 Sep 00 - 08:15 PM (#309253)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Micca

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.


01 Oct 00 - 08:38 PM (#309906)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: The Lighthouse

Thanks!


02 Oct 00 - 09:05 AM (#310183)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Whistle Stop

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.


02 Oct 00 - 10:48 AM (#310214)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Whistle Stop

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


04 Oct 00 - 09:08 PM (#312410)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: bflat

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

bflat


05 Oct 00 - 11:31 AM (#312767)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: A Wandering Minstrel

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!


07 Oct 00 - 08:44 AM (#314052)
Subject: RE: John Williams - Best CD
From: Dave T

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