Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Paul Galbraith :: Bach: Lute Suites (Guitar Arrangement)/ Galbraith

Fine playing, perhaps even for purists

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 03/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not too long ago I reviewed a Delos release of Bach's "Sonatas and Partitas for unaccompanied violin" and an offering of some Haydn keyboard sonatas, both transcribed for and played on the 8 string guitar by Paul Galbraith. For the non-purist--and Bach himself was quite generous with what instruments were used for some of his loveliest melodies--those offerings were a wonderful listening experience. Now Delos and Galbraith have done the same for Bach's (DE 3258). The nature of things requires the transpositions of 995 from G minor to A minor, 997 from C minor to B minor, and 998 from E-flat to D. Mentioned in the excellent albeit brief notes by the player are Bach's special fondness for the sound of the lute and (this is conjectural) his associating the instrument with things biblical. But I do not think the composer would complain about Galbraith's masterly treatment of these pieces. Definitely a Grabbit for lovers of Bach and of the guitar."

Pure joy!

K. G. Lee | Princeton, NJ | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been close to a century since the Bach lute suites were first transcribed for the classical guitar by Agustin Barrios, and along the way there have been countless recordings of these works over the years, but if I have to chose just one, it will have to be this recording.



Galbraith plays on a 8-string guitar, compared with the usual 6-string guitar, and his technique relies on him holding guitar in a cello-like manner, but what results! His control of the music is breathtaking, with the different contrapuntal lines clearly differentiated both in volume and articulation.It's so good that at times it seems as if there are separate guitarists playing each counterpoint. His tone is clear and bright, complementing the textures of the music itself rather than supplanting it.



His interpretations are mostly understated, letting the music of Bach speak for itself rather than imposing his own will on it. You get the feeling that it's Bach himself speaking rather than the guitarist, The range of emotions run the gamut from spiritual introspection in the Prelude of the Em suite to the joyful exuberance of the Allegro of the Eb major suite.



His extra 2 strings allow him to give more solidity and resonance to the music, and his playing is absolutely clean and flawless. My only nitpick is that his breathing can sometimes be heard in a few of the tracks, but it's something I can easily forgive.



I'm an amateur classical guitarist, but I definitely feel that this recording deserves a wider audience. I have been listening to this almost all the time since I got it, and it seems even more enjoyable and incredible with each listening.



Whether you're a guitarist or just a Bach fan, do yourself a favor and get yourself this recording."

Technical Brilliance

Tom Debevoise | Natural Bridge, VA United States | 01/25/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"About 20 years ago a friend of mine claimed that Bachs Lute suites were some of Bach's greatest works. This may be a bit overstated, but they all have a breath of moments, emotions and sonority that is worth many listenings. Over the years each of the suites seem to me akin to a warm, familiar poem.Paul has certainly conquered the suites with dazzling technique. There are many complex and beguiling passages and he plays each with certainty. At times this makes the music seem a little sterile, however; the Suite in C and the Fugue are brilliant both in analysis and execution. I have never heard these works performed with such unity of vision. I hope Paul re-records these in about 10 years."