He
was a very expressive player and this compared with his near contemporary, John
Williams (born Melbourne, Australia 1941) who was, technically the better player
(Segovia had said of Williams that ”God has laid his finger on his brow.”)
However, Bream had a flair and emotional connection
to his music that I don’t think Williams displays. As a 17 year-old student of
the guitar I met John Williams when he gave a concert at the Commonwealth
Institute in London. He approached me in the queue and asked me what time the
concert started. I told him and we chatted for a while. As he walked away, my
friend told me who he was. I had no idea!
Bream retired from performing in 2002. Unlike many of his professional colleagues,
he had a wide range of interests outside of music. He was passionate about
cricket and was a member of the MCC. He was also a formidable table
tennis player. Apart from his interests in gardening and his famously well-stocked
wine cellar, the visual arts were a constant stimulation – he had a fine
collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century English and Scottish paintings
– and he was a well-informed collector of English period furniture. The
companionship of his dogs became increasingly important to him, particularly
after a heart attack on Christmas Eve 1998, when his doctors recommended a
routine of regular exercise. Thereafter he became a familiar sight on the North
Dorset Downs, striding along with his beautiful flat-coated retrievers at heel.
Listen to Julian Bream playing Cadiz (from the Iberia Suite by Albeniz) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L0sdZ3TbJ8.
Go on, treat yourself!
8 comments:
Most people cope with life by being averagely skilled in all endeavours or more skilled in one area. Some people are doubly blessed, combining maths and music for example. But Julian Bream developed expertise in more than two areas, including sport .. which I would not have expected!
Hello Bazza, It's too bad that such an iconic figure of classical music is gone. Last summer when I was in Ohio I came across a box of old guitar LP's, including many by Julian Bream and including the other guitarists you mention here. I listened to all of them, deciding which to keep and which to get rid of. Each player had a distinct style and interpretation. I agree with you that John Williams was a phenomenon. One Player I particularly liked was the lutenist Walter Gerwig.
--Jim
Hi Bazza - Julian Bream was exceptional wasn't he ... he had a passion and explored it to its fullness ... I'm sure his other interests just gave that extra to life - a well rounded man. Love listening to his works ... thanks for reminding us of his other attributes - take care - Hilary
He made some beautiful music.
Hels: No, the sport was a surprise but the wine, paintings and furniture weren't!
Jim: I find that generally much of the classical repertoire transcribes better for guitar than it does for the lute.
Hilary: 'Passion' is exactly the right word for Julian Bream! Maybe it was the wider aspect of his interests that made him more rounded?
Arleen: Oh yes! I'm listening to his playing as I write this.
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