Classic Williams ~ Romance of the Guitar

Guitarist John Williams adds to his fine catalog of impeccable recordings with Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar. But this isn't just a best-of collection (though some of his greatest work is included here) since the disc contains three new recordings. Among the new tracks, Fauré's Pavane is a real stunner, a short but gorgeous piece originally meant for orchestra and choir, where Williams's guitar sounds as though it always belonged there. We get Williams at his most interpretative--his arrangements of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 3 and Piazzolla tango Verano porteno--and his most serene (the "Cavatina" theme from the movie Deer Hunter). Let's face it, some fine classical guitarists can lull their listeners into near comatose states with their instrument; Williams, on the other hand, is just the opposite. His gorgeous tone, inventive arrangements, and interesting repertoire continue to make the classical guitar sound exciting. In short, a great introduction to Williams and a real gem for lovers of classical guitar.

tracks
01. Romance (3:21)
02. Fauré - Pavane (5:08)
03. York - Sunburst (3:36)
04. Barrios - Una Limosna por el Amor de Dios (La Última Canción) (3:29)
05. Albéniz: Suite Española, Op.47 - V. Asturias (Leyenda) (6:02)
06. Satie - Gymnopédie No.3 (2:31)
07. El Condor Pasa (3:50)
08. Myers - Cavatina from "The Deer Hunter" (3:11)
09. Piazzolla - Verano Porteño (4:45)
10. Ponce - Scherzino Mexicano (2:32)
11. Brouwer - Berceuse (3:55)
12. Lauro - Natalia (Venzuelan waltz) (2:51)
13. de Falla - Dance from "La Vida Breve" (3:23)
14. O'Carolan - Planxty Madame Maxwell (1:53)
15. Theodorakis - Epitafios 3 (3:35)
16. J.S. Bach: Suite for Lute No.4 in E, BWV 1006a - I. Prelude (4:21)
17. Scarlatti - Sonata in E, K.380 (L.23) (4:09)
18. Vivaldi: Trio Sonata in C, RV 82 - III. Allegro (2:09)
19. Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez - II. Adagio (10:26)

Lauro - Natalia (Venzuelan waltz)