Julian Bream – Guitar Concertos (Analogue Productions / RCA Living Stereo)

Julian Bream was born in London in 1933. He made his first recital appearance in 1947 and a year later made his London debut. He became prominent in Britain's musical life through his recitals, tours for the Arts Council, and television and radio appearances. Mauro Giuliani was one of several composers who succeeded in establishing the guitar concerto as an accepted musical convention. This is the first genuinely "virtuoso" concerto written for the instrument. Malcolm Arnold is a composer of pathos and deep instensity. His concertos, written mainly for virtuoso friends, includes the Guitar Concerto, written for Bream and recorded here with Arnold conducting.

Fully aware that Spain is the "spiritual" home of the guitar, Arnold has deliberately decided here to give the instrument a more universal character. He has circumvented the Spanish overtones of the instrument by subtle use of modal melodic material.

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Reviews

"Bream brings an almost vocal expressiveness to every phrase—these concertos sing." — Gramophone

"His tone is luminous, his touch unfailingly elegant—this is guitar playing at its finest." — BBC Music Magazine

"Bream doesn’t just play the music, he interprets it with poetic sensitivity and fire." — The Guardian

"From Rodrigo to Vivaldi, Bream breathes life into every bar—effortless, refined, unforgettable." — AllMusic

"Guitar Concertos showcases Bream at the height of his powers—radiant, soulful, and technically flawless." — Classical Guitar Magazine