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.”
I just bought an Edirol R-09HR, based on this review by one of my favorite guitarists, Kevin Gallagher:
I’ve been playing with the Edirol a few days and I certainly like it as a “field recorder” (I’m going to take it to a live music venue later this week and see how it goes) and also as a “sketchbook” recorder to have nearby whenever and wherever I am playing guitar. Whether it will work out as the recorder of choice for my “official” recordings remains to be seen, but some of the glowing reviews I’ve been reading suggest that it’s not out of the question.
It’s Samantha Muir at the Alhambra again, this time playing The Piece. She plays with great clarity, simplicity (the best kind), and respect. Thank you, Samantha. This is a keeper.
Says Samantha:
Tarrega’s musical tribute to the Alhambra Palace in Granada played by me, Samantha Muir. A recent trip to Granada provided the perfect opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream and play Recuerdos de la Alhambra in the Alhambra! I didn’t quite make it into the famous Courtyard of the Lions (the Lions are actually on holidays at the moment being restored) but the following is a postcard of my musical wanderings…. we begin in the beautiful gardens with the Generalife in the background…. then into the Chapel sitting on the tomb of Isabella and Ferdinand…. and then into a typical courtyard accompanied by a fountain (and 2 squirrels playing in the tree above my head!)…. returning to the garden briefly before finishing with the tinkling waters of one of the many fountains which so inspired Tarrega. The sound of the video is inconsistent and the quality poor but I hope it captures what for me was a magical experience. Sometimes dreams really do come true….
The guitarist is Samantha Muir. She’s on the grounds of the Alhambra in Spain, sitting on the tomb of Isabella and Ferdinand, and playing Cohen’s Hallelujah.
I just had to tell someone.
As Samantha’s tells it:
Last weekend I went with some friends to Granada to see Leonard Cohen in concert. We were staying in the Parador Hotel which is in the grounds of the Alhambra Palace. Of course, I took my guitar, plus Jorge Nolla’s lovely arrangement of Mr Leonard’s Hallelujah which Jorge had recently sent me. I thought I might get a few moments to learn it… I certainly hadn’t anticipated making this video but since the Parador very kindly allowed me to play in the chapel – I’m actually sitting on the tomb of Isabella and Ferdinand – I thought it would be nice to share this unique experience with my YT friends. Sorry about the poor sound quality but it’s taken on my camera. A storm was moving in and the trees behind where I’m sitting were restless…..at least, I think it was the trees.
Mr Leonard’s concert was awesome thanks to his genius and the genius of the musicians who accompany him. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Something which is hard to put into words so I offer you this small gesture… Wishing you all peace and happiness and sunshine.
Sheet music and tabs are very kindly made available from Jorge Nolla.
