PAUL GALBRAITH
Bach Lute Suites (Delos)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Paul Galbraith's 8-string guitar mastery continues to astound. A year after the release of his stunning Haydn keyboard sonatas, all arranged perfectly for his guitar, Galbraith gives us this set of lute suites by J.S. Bach, and while arranging the leap from lute to 8-string guitar may not be as newsworthy, the end result is wonderful. These baroque compositions are rendered with an intimate warmth, as Galbraith plays with a great deal of feeling and understanding of the composer himself. As his phrasing and technique continue to evolve, Galbraith's name begins to enter the debate over "who is the best classical guitarist," and this recording suggests it may not be long until the debate is over. Not being a student of classical music, I can't tell you why Galbraith did this or that, played this one that way, or chose these particular pieces. As a person who is moved by beautiful, well-performed classical guitar, I CAN tell you that this is a recording that made me sit back, close my eyes and sink into the music, and that, for me, is a very good thing. I figure it might be for you, as well.

Track List:

Suite in G Minor BWV 995 (trans. A Minor) * Suite in E Minor BWV 996 * Suite in C Minor BWV 997 (trans. B Minor) * Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major BWV 998 (trans. D Major)

© 2000 - DJ Johnson