Julian Bream's "Guitar Duets" is a captivating journey through the realms of medieval and classical music, showcasing the virtuosity and artistry of one of the most celebrated guitarists of our time. Released in 1993 under the prestigious RCA Red Seal label, this album spans an impressive 2 hours and 23 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that highlight Bream's mastery of the guitar.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the intricate and elegant "Suite for Two Guitars" to the lively and rhythmic "Danzas españolas" by Granados. Bream's collaborations with fellow guitarist John Williams on several tracks add an extra layer of depth and harmony, creating a truly enchanting listening experience. Notable arrangements by Bream and Williams, such as those of Debussy's "Clair de lune" and Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte," demonstrate their exceptional skill in adapting classical works for the guitar.
Bream's interpretation of Spanish music is particularly striking, with pieces like "Cantos de Espana" and "Goyescas" evoking the rich cultural heritage of Spain. The album also includes works by composers such as Fauré, Schubert, and Albeniz, each brought to life with Bream's distinctive touch and technical brilliance.
"Guitar Duets" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a testament to Julian Bream's enduring legacy as a musician and his ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enjoyable exploration of the guitar's potential.
(P) 1993 BMG Music
Tracks
Suite for Two Guitars: I. Corant IWilliam Lawes, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Suite for Two Guitars: II. AlmanWilliam Lawes, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Suite for Two Guitars: III. Corant IIWilliam Lawes, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Duo No. 2 in G Major, Op. 34: I. LargoFerdinando Carulli, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Duo No. 2 in G Major, Op. 34: II. RondoFerdinando Carulli, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
L'encouragement, Op. 34: I. CantabileFernando Sor, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
L'encouragement, Op. 34: II. Theme and VariationsFernando Sor, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
L'encouragement, Op. 34: III. WaltzFernando Sor, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Cantos de Espana, Op. 232: No. 4, Córdoba (Nocturne) [Transcribed for Two Guitars]Isaac Albéniz, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Goyescas: IntermezzoEnrique Granados, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
La Vida Breve: Danza Española No. 1Manuel de Falla, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream)Maurice Ravel, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): I. BerceuseGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): II. Mi-a-ouGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): III. Jardin de DollyGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): IV. Kitty ValseGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): V. TendresseGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream): VI. Pas EspagnolGabriel Fauré, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Danzas espanolas, Op. 37: No. 2, Oriental (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream & John Williams)Enrique Granados, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Sérénade in A Major, Op. 96 No. 1: I. Largo maestoso - Allegro moderatoFerdinando Carulli, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Sérénade in A Major, Op. 96 No. 1: II. Larghetto sostenutoFerdinando Carulli, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Sérénade in A Major, Op. 96 No. 1: III. Finale. Poco allegrettoFerdinando Carulli, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
12 Danzas Españolas, Op. 37: No. 6, Rondalla Aragonesca (Transcribed for 2 Guitars)Enrique Granados, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Chant d'Espagne, Op. 232: No. 3, Bajo la Palmera (Arr. for 2 Guitars)Isaac Albéniz, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
12 Danzas Españolas, Op. 37: No. 11, Zambra (Transcribed for 2 Guitars)Enrique Granados, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Variazioni concertanti, Op. 130Mauro Giuliani, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Iberia, Book 1: I. Evocación (Transcribed for 2 Guitars by Julian Bream)Isaac Albéniz, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
PavanJohn Johnson, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
GalliardJohn Johnson, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: I. OuvertureGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: II. HarlequinadeGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: III. Le risGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: IV. RigidonGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: V. CombattansGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Partie polonaise: VI. GigueGeorg Philipp Telemann, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Rêverie, L. 68 (Arranged for Two Guitars)Claude Debussy, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Golliwogg's CakewalkClaude Debussy, Julian Bream, John C. Williams
Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Arranged for Two Guitars by Julian Bream & John Williams)Claude Debussy, Julian Bream, John C. Williams