Search - Julian Bream :: Fret Works

Two discs, not one.

Paul Magnussen | Campbell, CA USA | 04/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Firstly, "Fret Works" comprises two discs, not one: the first including pieces by Sor, Torroba, Turina & Falla, and the second, pieces by Dowland and Villa-Lobos (for details, see the accompanying customer images). So make sure what you're getting before you buy.



The Dowland pieces are of course played on the lute; I imagine these must be among Bream's earliest lute recordings.



This was only the second classical guitar album I ever heard (the first was Laurindo Almeida's "Guitar Music of Spain"), and its beauty was a large part of what led me to take up that instrument. Time has not diminished it. I think I'm correct in saying that some of the works represented here are Bream's only recordings of them.



The recordings, being from 1956/7, are of course mono; but as there's only one of the artist, this is not a particularly big deal, and the sound quality is good. If they give you as much pleasure as they have me over the years, you will have spent your money wisely.



The total time for both discs is well over two hours."