Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Cantos de España, Op. 232: No 1, Preludio [Asturias, Op. 47 No 5]
2. The Deer Hunter: Cavatina
3. Partita for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: 1st Movement, Prelude
4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
5. Romance for Guitar
6. La Vida Breve: Dance
7. Sonata for Harpsichord in E Major, K 380/L 23
8. The Mission: On Earth as It Is in Heaven
9. El Colibri
10. Gymnopédies (3) For Piano: No 3, Lent et Grave
11. Suite for Harpsichord in E Major, HWV 430: No 3, Courante
12. La Catedral
13. El Condor Pasa
14. Salut d'Amour, Op. 12
15. Malinke Guitars
16. Concerto for Guitar in D Major: Allegro
17. Entertainer [From the Sting]

Disc 2:

1. Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar: 2nd Movement, Adagio
2. El Diablo Suelto
3. Preludio for Guitar in C Major 213
4. No. 3 Sevilla (Sevillanas) From Suite Española, Op. 47
5. Gnossiennes (6) For Piano: No 1
6. Cueca
7. Schindler's List (Main Theme)
8. Partita for Lute in E Major, BWV 1006a: 3rd Movement, Gavotte en ...
9. Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
10. Pavane, Op. 50
11. Trio Son for Violin, Lute and Basso Continuo in C Major, RV 82: ...
12. Sunburst
13. Godfather (Love Theme, Godfather Waltz)
14. Scherzino Mexicano
15. Aeolian Suite for Guitar & Small Orchestra
16. Three Blues for Classic Guitar
17. El Decaméron Negro
18. Una Limosna Por el Amor de Dios "El Ultimo Canto"
19. Saltarello
20. Piezas Características (12), Op. 92: No 12, Torre Bermeja

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6512 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2005-03-29
• Number of discs: 2

Customer Reviews

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!
The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

A little something for everybody
First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Superb. Definitely recommended to lovers of classical guitar.
After nearly wearing out favorite CDs of Christopher Parkening and Segovia, I gave this John Williams collection a spin. I love the choice of tracks--some beautiful newer pieces in addition to crisp, lovely interpretations of several favorites (Asturias, La Vida Breve, Concierto de Aranjuez--you know, the ones everyone plays). He also fit in three Charlie Byrd blues tracks that, though not my favorites, work surprisingly well. William's playing is so clean and expressive--melodies ring out clearly, never belabored. Very pleasureful listening. Guess I'll be wearing this one out too...