Vivaldi Giuliani Rodrigo VillaLobos CastelnuovoTedesco John Williams , English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Groves, Daniel Barenboim - Guitar Concertos

Review by Andres Lopez Gomez

The album Guitar Concertos, featuring works by Vivaldi, Giuliani, Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and John Williams, performed by the English Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Sir Charles Groves and Daniel Barenboim, is a captivating collection that showcases the versatility and virtuosity of the guitar as a solo instrument in the classical repertoire.

The album opens with Vivaldi's Concerto in D major, RV 93, a delightful piece that highlights the guitar's bright and sparkling sound in the fast movements and its lyrical and expressive qualities in the slow movement. The guitar soloist, John Williams, delivers a polished and nuanced performance that captures the essence of the Baroque style with elegance and clarity.

The next piece, Giuliani's Concerto for Guitar and Strings, Op. 30, is a more challenging work that demands technical prowess and musical sensitivity from the soloist. Williams rises to the occasion with his impeccable technique, impeccable phrasing, and expressive tone, supported by the luscious and dynamic playing of the English Chamber Orchestra.

Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, one of the most famous and beloved works for guitar and orchestra, is a true masterpiece that blends Spanish folk music with classical forms and harmonies. Williams' interpretation is a benchmark in the history of the piece, with his soulful and passionate playing in the Adagio and his virtuosic and lively performance in the Allegro gentile. Barenboim and the ECO provide a sensitive and colorful accompaniment that enhances the beauty and drama of the music.

Villa-Lobos' Concerto for Guitar and Small Orchestra is a fascinating piece that showcases the Brazilian composer's eclectic and experimental style, with its rhythmic and harmonic complexity, exotic melodies, and colorful orchestration. Williams' rendition is a tour de force of technical and musical mastery, with his precise and dynamic articulation, his seamless transitions between sections, and his vivid and evocative characterizations.

Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concerto No. 1 in D major for Guitar and Orchestra, Op. 99, is a charming and elegant work that reflects the composer's Italian roots and his love for the guitar. Williams plays with a refined and nuanced touch that brings out the poise and gracefulness of the music, while the ECO and Groves provide a buoyant and stylish accompaniment.

The album concludes with John Williams' own Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, a modern and eclectic piece that draws inspiration from various musical traditions and genres, from jazz to Latin American music. Williams' performance is a testament to his creativity and versatility as a composer and performer, with his inventive and colorful use of the guitar's resources and his imaginative and engaging musical ideas.

Summary by Andres Lopez Gomez

Guitar Concertos is a must-have album for anyone who loves the guitar and classical music, with its superb performances, varied repertoire, and impeccable production values. The collaboration between Williams, Barenboim, and the ECO is a match made in heaven, and their synergy and artistry shine throughout the album. Highly recommended.