Search - Leo Brouwer, Steven Mercurio, John Williams :: The Black Decameron

Soulful playing from the man

Mikhail Asanovic | Manchester RNCM | 10/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was recommended to approach this CD with caution, as John uses his trademark "faultless and riskless" playing style to the maximum, but being a huge fan I had to explore. I was not disappointed.

The opening to Concerto Toronto is quite simply spine tingling, John's technical ability boggles the mind in what seems to be one of the hardest guitar compositions to date, and also one of the most beautiful. Brouwer's typical theme development techniques are used to great effect, and his orchestration is also very appropriate - a rare trait for a composer so dedicated to one instrument. In this first movement, I found myself rewinding and relistening many times to some of the phrases, as Williams' playing is so impeccable. The second movement, a theme and variations is also excellently presented, and especially the first variation, I'd like to hear any other guitarist play this well.

The Elogio de la Danza is also very neatly presented, if a little souless in parts, on the whole justice is done to this fine work.

El Decameron Negro promised such great things - One of Brouwers finest compositions played by a true master. However, looking beyond technical ability (which anyone would agree is here in buckets) El Arpa del Guerrero sounds as though the notes have been put into a computer and churned back out. Yes its fluid and mistakeless, but for such an estabished performer,I expected better and more original things.

His interpretation of La Huida de los Amantes por el Valle de los Ecos, however, is among the finest, if not the finest pieces of playing I have ever heard from John. The lyricism shines at every opportunity, and is strongly backed by his technique. If the gallop at the end leaves you unmoved, then see a doctor. Absolute magic.

Then the Balada de la Doncella Enmorada. This is undeniably a little rushed, and often used to show off - again its fluid and hugely impressive, but somewhat immature.(?)

The Hika is fantastic, John really brings out the agressive nature of the phrasing, and the sombre melodies - I'd like to see him do it live. He sure can play guitar.

Overall, definitely worth checking out - interpretations vary, and who am I to cuss such a legend's playing. I like this CD very much and so will you."

Brouwer and Williams at their best

Mr. R. Van Schelven | Leidschendam, The Netherlands | 02/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Normally I do not like John Williams playing Brouwer or any other South American composer for that matter. This CD however surprised me. The music is played with, as always, technical supremacy and a lot of feeling/emotion, which I think normally lacks when he plays Brouwer. The Concerto de Toronto is great. I never knew that Brouwer composed stuff like this. The El Decameron Negro is out of this world."

One of Williams' best recordings!

Mikhail Asanovic | 11/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In addition to the excellent premiere recording of Leo Brouwer's Concerto de Toronto (which, fortunately for Brouwer fans, includes several motifs used by Brouwer in some of his previous works), John Williams provides the listener with an outstanding rendition of the much recorded El Decameron Negro. His approach to La Huida de los Amantes por el Valle de los Ecos (The Flight of the Lovers Through the Valley of the Echoes) results in some of the most sensitive and energetic playing I have heard from Williams."