Search - Johann Sebastian Bach :: Bach: The Four Lute Suites

Bach on Guitar Without the Ego

Paul West | San Marcos, Texas | 12/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the stuff that got me into classical guitar -- Johann Sebastian Bach played by John Williams. Say whatever you want, this CD rocks. In an age where everyone and their grandmother is producing yet another version of the lute suites (on guitars of all different strings and sizes) William's 1975 recording, I have found, remains the faithful ground from which all others spring.I felt compelled to write this review in defense to all the negative criticism posted here. I was floored to read the accusations of "lack of soul" and the badmouthing of William's technique. These statements are ridiculous; John Williams is a superb artist, his playing is technically solid, his sound wonderfully bold, and his phrasing logical and true to the contrapunctal spirit of Bach. True, he may not flaunt the fiery chops of an Elliot Fisk or the precision of Paul Gailbraith -- but why compare apples with oranges? Williams gives us a warm humanity with a keen respect for the music. The playing, in this aspect, is first rate.The E minor Prealudium and Presto open the disc, and Williams sets the mood with a big, wonderful sound and by letting the music play itself. It becomes relaxingly clear from the first 30 seconds that this is NOT going to be another "show-off" Bach recording. He rolls the chords tastefully, he resolves the intense cadences with proper baroque spirit, and his trills and ornaments are right on the money. When he busts into the fuguelike Presto, his technique is rock solid and the dignified counterpoint and powerful sequences have great confidence as the music comes alive. He closes the suite with the infamous Gigue, a true knuckle buster for even the most advanced guitarist to manage at a brisk tempo. Williams handles it with ease, every note rings true, and the phrasing is soulfully admirable.
A few more comments in closing: The second lute suite's Preludio and Fugue alone are worth the meager purchase! The music is quite possibly the greatest ever written (the fugue is huge, complex, thrilling, and de capo). Bach wrote the music in Leipzig on a keyboard instrument built to mimic the baroque lute. The way Williams plays the works, you would think he was on a keyboard, so clean and persuasive are the notes!
The only real flaw I've detected on the CD comes during the Gigue and Double at the end of the second suite where he buzzes the low F (big freakin whoop). Again, very human, hence very intimate.If you want the epitome of melancholy, listen to the Sarabande in E minor; I guarantee you'll hear no better version. The entire E major Partita is flawless. It's wonderful to hear the famous Prelude as a work of art and not as a sterile fireball for a cocky guitarist to flaunt his virtuosity.
If you want pure Bach, this is the CD for you. If you want authentic interpretation, this is for you. If you're tired of guitarists using Bach's music to showcase their talents, this is for you. John Williams had nothing to prove, and that's why the recording is so successful."

Still 30 years later -THE Bach Lute Suites recording!

Ken Tamayo | San Juan, PR USA | 12/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rarely take the time to post a review here or anywhere for lack of time, even though I usually read other reviewers' feedback. As I sit down and re-listen to Willliams' Bach recording now after many years of not doing so - while coincidentally reading these wonderful baroque compositions for my own performances - I feel compelled to write some impressions on it.



Without going into painful/extensive details, I agree with many that this is THE BACH recording all guitarists will always be measured against - and for good reason!



These 1975 John Williams' breathtaking performances are absolutely astonishing - particularly that of Suite BWV 996. Just listen to the opening Prelude and closing Gigue in E Minor... not to mention the Gigue-Double on A Minor BWV 997.



While it is true that you may find more densely ornamented or studious renditions of Bach, John Williams plays this music with such panache, precision and stoppable forward movement that it never sounds dated...



If you don't have this record - BUY IT!"

Excellent

Ken Tamayo | 06/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think it's silly to ask for a definitive or "standard" Bach recording. The Bach of John Williams, Andre Segovia, Ron Rendek, Christopher Parkening, and so on is different and must be judged on its own terms without respect to a "standard" so long as due allegiance to the printed music is maintained. In any case, this is an excellent rendition of the suites I can recommend without significant reservation."