Guitarist.com » Julian Bream

Fernando Sor: Fantasie, Op. 54 – Bream & Williams

JPD — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:08:35 +0000

A great look at the two giants, Julian Bream and John Williams, having a very fine time playing in one of Bream’s favorite spots, Wardour Chapel in Wiltshire, England, in 1979.

If you’ve been around the classical guitar world very long, you’ve heard lots of generalizations about these two. Popular opinion has it that Bream is the creative genius, while Williams is the supreme technician. Bream the Dionysian, Williams the Apollonian.

In this video we can see why people say such things. The contrast between them is striking.

But to stop there, with the easy observation, is to miss the best part of their gift to us.

What’s wonderful is the way their differences bring out the best in both. A beautiful and unexpected chemistry occurs.

As Williams himself said of the duo, “Although the way we each play is alike as chalk and cheese, we’re not two musicians, we’re an ensemble and we create magic together.”

Julian Bream’s Personal Art Collection

JPD — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:21:20 +0000

From the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama:

Julian Bream, the world revered classical guitarist, has donated his personal art collection to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This extraordinary glimpse into the private thoughts and life of such a celebrated musician can be viewed at the Weston Gallery at RWCMD.

The collection comprises works personal to the musician such as a portrait of Bream by Derek Hill and one of his favourite dog, Casper by Jill Tweed. A number of paintings are by some of the most prolific Scottish artists of the 19th and 20th Centuries such as William McTaggart and David Gauld. Other featured artists include Sydney Nolan, Walter Richard Sickert, Elizabeth Frink and Bream’s own brother, Anthony Bream. The paintings are predominantly landscapes from the beginning of the impressionistic period, and portray a serenity typical of this style.

The Exhibition Launch on 6th March 2009 was well attended by friends and supporters. Hilary Boulding, Principal of RWCMD, welcomed the guests, “It has completely transformed one of our many recital rooms… It is wonderful, an extraordinary and generous gift.” Her words echoed everyone’s thoughts, particularly those who had admired the great guitarist for years. “Julian Bream is perhaps the most celebrated guitarist alive. He is a living legend… It is a superb gesture. We are truly honoured.” said John Mills, Head of Guitar Studies at RWCMD. Julian Bream seemed very happy and addressed the audience, “They do look pretty good if you don’t mind me saying… They are good friends, these paintings. I’m glad they’re here and I’m terribly moved.”

You can read the rest here.

Julian Bream and Stephane Grappelli play Django’s Nuages!

JPD — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Isn’t this wonderful! Bream’s description of this performance is one of the highlights in A Life on the Road (written by Tony Palmer). I never thought I’d see it. And Bream’s performance is far better than we were given to believe in the book. Just listen to the quality of Bream’s intro. What a treat!

Bream Meets Stravinsky

JPD — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:01:00 +0000