Julian Bream Concert 1978

First transmitted at BBC 2 on 01 Feb 1978, Julian Bream performs works by Bach, Villa-Lobos, Albeniz and Britten at Old Wardour Castle.

[@thefobbie0034]

I have the great honour of seeing Bream in concert in 1977 as a 13 year old - his musicality on the guitar is 2nd to no one!!!!!

[@davideleftheriou3176]

The greatest guitarist of all times. Rest in peace , Maestro.

[@djangofan22]

I just found out from reading your post how sad he will be missed

[@andyadler]

@Harry Fishnuts August 14th, 2020

[@Barnabus007]

I didn't know he died to just reading this! I realize he was very old, but I had just looked him up a few weeks ago and remember thinking "I wonder if he can still play" and "He'd be cool to meet" Really skilled musician...inspiring to guitarists of all styles.

[@skinnykarlos710]

David, Try to remember that in art especially our likes and dislikes are accentuated and that our feelings are very much 'subjective'. I do like Bream, even saw him in recital back last century when he was still right on his game but to say that anyone at all is the best at anything that is at the end of the day a personal preference is not really doing anyone any favours. To be honest, if you'd said to Mr Bream that he's the best guitarist of all time I think he'd have laughed. Let's just say he was a great musician who played with the utmost passion everytime he picked up a guitar, a lute or whatever instrument he chose at that time. He will be sadly missed that's for sure.

[@stanimirstanev1868]

He is the reason I to fall in love with the classical guitar

[@chriscampbell1342]

This is the way it should be. This man is first an artist, then a musician, and then a guitar player.

[@Soytu19]

that's right.

[@Uchoobdood]

Well put!

[@stevenkoehler6018]

You nailed it

[@carolsims4037]

He was all three and is sorely missed

[@msblue1003]

he was all four or five or more

[@gsgleason]

Program 1:30 J.S. Bach - Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro 12:41 Heitor Villa-Lobos - Prelude No. 3 15:27 Heitor Villa-Lobos - Prelude No. 1 19:15 Heitor Villa-Lobos - Prelude No. 2 21:43 Isaac Albéniz - Granada (Suite española No.1) 26:34 Isaac Albéniz - Cádiz (Suite española No.4) 30:30 Isaac Albéniz - Sevilla (Suite española No.3) 34:44 Benjamin Britten - Nocturnal After John Dowland, op.70

[@AgonyX1992]

+Gregory Gleason 4:06 Fugue

[@AgonyX1992]

+AGONY X 10:07 Allegro

[@bobbiemay6585]

😌

[@ianstukenborg437]

Thanks man...this is helpful, seeing how you can hardly see the video as blurry as it is!

[@ianstukenborg437]

HA! Quit whinning and start playing!

[@YoNickSoko]

Ads are 10x worse when they interrupt this musical master’s performance.

[@bawalther2009]

Get Adblock!

[@hgkwbsx7]

not youtubes file format?

[@djsebastian1]

Try Brave Browser.. Ad blocking built in

[@msblue1003]

Speechless...

[@herbertrude1689]

It's a blasphemy shattering enough to force you to sign up so you can be blissfully ad-free.

[@gammondog]

I was only going to listen for a few minutes but here I am forty-nine minutes later. Couldn't pull myself away.

[@skinnykarlos710]

Congratulations William. You're a sentient being with aural discernment. This is some of Beam at his best though some is a tad rushed (just my opinion) probably because he was in such good playing shape. Great recital.

[@thewordofgord]

Me too!

[@dmitriichuprakov43]

Ahahaha. It's the same))

[@gthangblue]

Me too! Wanted to have a quick listen and look at his playing after reading about his passing. Still here 20 mins later! RIP.

[@eugeneobrien9064]

I’m trying to improve my guitar posture, and really just wanted a quick look at a photo of Julian Bream to see how he holds the guitar. But instead I found this on KZbin…. and here I still am 2 hours later!! Mesmerising.

[@ВиталийЧернявский-ф8я]

This world has lost a wizard, but his magic will remain with us forever.

[@andybader8747]

I first listened to Julian Bream when I was 13 years old, one among several great artists who introduced me to classical music. I am listening again today at 70 years old in honor of this superb musician who gave so much pleasure to so many.

[@madazad9562]

That’s nice to hear. I hope you had a great 70 years. Julian Bream is a work of art and his contribution to classical guitar will be missed.

[@frost7875]

21 year old here. Will make sure that this kind of music lives on 70+ years from now. You have my word. :)

[@jrcallahan1844]

Similar for me, Andy. I was about 15. And I am turning 72 in January.

[@luscao8444]

​@@jrcallahan1844 What advise would you give to some 20 years old guy?

[@MychalGendron]

I would say to anyone who is critical of Bream's performances - if you are a guitarist (as I am), get up there and give it a try, you can only know what an accomplished musician this man was if you have had the experience of trying to express yourself through this incredibly challenging music.

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

I don't even know how he can even remember all of the pieces due to the length and complexity, while pretty much playing them flawlessly.

[@liviasennis7541]

Yes!!!!!

[@RichMitch]

I came back to this after he passed today, very talented man. Considerable sideburns

[@fabrikeros669]

Zzzz

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

Yes. My mother used to say he was a handsome devil!

[@eduardorojasdiaz4816]

Fue un gran guitarrista, pero hoy, existen muchísimos guitarristas tanto o mejores que él. Qué duda cabe.

[@adamavery3906]

I doubt there are many guitarists these days who would agree. There maybe some who are more technically proficient, but the tones and techniques coming out of his hands would be a challenge for any guitarist to rival, let alone surpass. ​@@eduardorojasdiaz4816

[@meatstring]

A skill and passion that will last forever. R.I.P

[@TheCantorgirl1]

If I could only listen to two guitarists for the rest of my life I'd only listen to Bream and Paco de Lucia. Unbelievable greatness. My hero. Thank you to the poster!!!!!

[@jazzerson7087]

I can tell you're a guitarist or musician yourself and a pretty good one as non guitarists/musicians wouldn't quite appreciate them as we do. Bream, Paco de Lucia and Joe Pass for me.

[@tom.mihail9366]

great choice indeed but I would add 'ALIRIO DIAZ' in the mix as an all time great of the guitar!

[@davidfreel1451]

I'd also include Bream's favourite, Django.

[@johnshort5003]

How about Vicente Amigo, John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, John Williams, Sabicas, Moraito Chico, Stevei Ray Vaughan, Gerardo Nunez, Johnny Fean, Tomatito, Frank Zappa, etc. Don't limit yourself to two, have fun!! There are also some great women guitarists out there too (like Noe Dresner) but not very well recognised yet. But that will change.

[@rufinosanchez2703]

Al hacer calificaciones no puedes poner juntos a Julian Bream con Paco de Lucía, porque son géneros totalmente diferentes. Bream estaría junto a Segovia, Williams, Yepes, etc, de guitarra llamada clásica. Paco estaría en otro grupo con Tomatito, Moraito Chico, etc, de guitarra llamada flamenca.

[@servantism]

I remember as a teenager wakening my mum and dad from their sleep in the early hours of the morning and insisting they come down stairs straight away ( in their pyjamas ) and listen to the Together LP I’d just bought of Williams and Bream. I’ve been inspired by this man so many times in my life and never more so when listening to him play Nocturnal - thank you maestro Bream for blessing this world with your genius ❤️

[@billybobjoebob6002]

There are many performers who play well, but few like Bream who imbue a sense of total immersion to the listener. When he plays works by Albeniz I can smell the oranges in groves ripening under azure Spanish skies.

[@foxjones928]

Not just a great guitarist, but also something much rarer, a great musician. Nowadays there are lots of guitarists who can get their fingers on the notes; but I've yet to hear one who can play Bach with the poignancy, beauty and drive that Bream offers here.

[@stevedgolfer]

Greatest classical guitarist that's ever been - genius

[@shadowlee2479]

Brilliance, absolutely brilliance, my you’re guitar playing join the harps in heaven! RIP Julian. The finest guitar player ever!

[@maranathashalom9402]

Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.…

[@maxcollisions138]

Jilliance !@@maranathashalom9402

[@raestrikke]

It is GIFT to be able to summon up a BRILLIANT performance from long ago...... we are so lucky; the people of the old days would love to have been able to type a few keys and hear a precious memory!

[@jeffmoore9487]

I'm an old but earnest musician- started with vinyl, but the web is just plain expansive. I'm now influenced by people nobody around me would have even heard of 30 years ago. We must protect the web from all corp-govt. control. This access to the world could be lost or at least constricted and monetized.

[@johnliebenthal]

Well said. A 12 year old today could study and internalize a performance like this. What a gift to have at your fingertips.

[@RoyceLopez777]

Rest In Peace, Julian Bream - thank you for your incredible musical gift to this world. May you be with the Lord, eternally.

[@Phainou7]

1. Bach BWV 998: Prelude (1:30), Fugue (4:05) and Allegro (10:09) 2. Villa-Lobos: Prelude No.3 (12:42), Prelude No.1 (15:27) and Prelude No.2 (19:15) 3. Albeniz: Granada (21:43), Cadiz (26:33) and Sevilla (30:29) 4. Britten: Nocturnal after John Dowland (Op. 70) I - Musingly (34:42) II - Very agitated (36:16) III - Restless (37:01) IV - Uneasy (38:36) V - March-like (39:46) VI - Dreaming (41:07) VII - Gently rocking (42:38) VIII - Passacaglia (43:29) IX - Slow and quiet (47:17)

[@Phainou7]

+Metro VeganSouls My pleasure :)

[@blocknboom9353]

Gioseffo Zarlino thank you very much , you are a lifesaver !

[@TheVikingBlues]

Thank you. I've worked out some of it by ear and was desperate to know what I was playing!

[@JuwonAhn]

Thank you!

[@MatheusNgGuitar]

Thanks!

[@haiboriver]

how lucky and previledged these audience are to live in an age while angelic music and legendary masters like this were still around...Listening to Julian Bream was like you travel back to the age while Bach Handel were around...Amazing miracle of great music!

[@166Soccerman]

So very sad to hear of the death of one of my guitar heroes, a brilliant expressive player who will be so missed. RIP.

[@长廾丂闩尸]

God rest his soul. A true gentleman and an incredibly gifted musician.

[@brianmorris8045]

I had the pleasure of seeing Julian in the 70's...was a brilliant concert at the Festival Theatre, Adelaide. The acoustics are wonderful there and I could hear every note and squeak even though I was near to the back of the theatre...Julian was worth every cent I paid for him...when he played the lute, it brought the house down so to speak...have never forgotten that concert. Just pure quality from start to finish.

[@davehshs651]

Wasn't it wonderful?! I also had the privilege of hearing Bream in concert in the '70s, at SUNY in Albany, NY. My wife and I were extremely fortunate to be sitting in the second row center, about 15 feet from Bream. It was a thrill to both see and hear him play. To this day, I can find no other guitarist who can match Bream's exquisite interpretation and the incredible beauty and variety of tones he gets from a guitar.

[@dmitriichuprakov43]

You're a lucky man)) I'm jealous

[@ronjolly6951]

Just listen to that TONE! Few musicians in the world have a unique tone and technique that when you hear them, immediately identify who it is. Jascha Heifetz and Stéphane Grappelli on violin, Art Tatum, Glenn Gould and Arthur Rubenstein on piano, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane on saxophone, Jean-Pierre Rampal and James Galway on flute ... Julian Bream was in that high class. You will be missed Maestro. R.I.P

[@cyclesgoff9768]

Utter bollocks.

[@m0rvidusm0rvidus18]

Comparing Bream to 'Tatum/Parker/Coltrane' is an insult. They are not in his class at all, just more jazz clowns promoted by US media.

[@J-Dizzle95]

I have read comments about this video and would just like to share some information some listeners may not be acquainted with as to why Bream may sound "rushed" in this performance Bream was a phenomenal guitarist who travelled the entire world for 70 years throughout his musical journey, and liked to perform music in a somewhat "improvisational" style in a live setting, because he believed that's how true music was really made. Aside from that just being how he is, when multiple countries of every continent want to hear your best most renowned pieces for several decades, you have to mix it up a little bit and try new things to constantly keep it fresh, for you and the audience. The studio recordings of bream are the definitive versions and some who believe Bream to be overrated from watching this video are simply picking one from the hundreds if not thousands of performances that were each given by Bream uniquely in their own way. This was just how this concert happened to be played. He also preferred not to be recorded in a live setting as it ruined the atmosphere of the performances which would make me imagine that recording him live would leave him very bothered or on edge the entire time, which is definitely not an excuse for a musician/performer of this level but this was clearly a special occasion and I know Bream loathes cameras and recording equipment. I just wanted to explain so people could make a more informed opinion of this concert. I hope I did not come off as rude in any way as I just wanted to share :)

[@starsandnobodys]

Julian on his worst day is better than the majority on their best day.

[@MarkInLA]

Jared Lucus So who asked you ! ! ..".rushed " Maybe you think so ! He was, in the kindest meant way, lulling me into a stupor he's so comforting.. Or maybe it's the fact that the man (98%) never squeaks..He's smooth like Jack Daniels and pumpkin pie ! ...sounds rushed.... Yeah right ! You rushed to tell us this unnecessary load of manure. Thanks for the education we need like a .................

[@J-Dizzle95]

Um, sir, I am, in fact, agreeing with you. I am just sharing information with other people as to why THEY would think it sounds rushed. I clearly stated this in the very first sentence of my comment. I loved every moment of it! Please, I don't think you fully understood what I was saying. There is absolutely no need to be rude, especially when we are agreeing about the exact same thing! Good day to you

[@ianstukenborg437]

The Allegro didn't sound rushed, it sounded like an Adagio to me! Parkening played circles around that shit! lol

[@darrelldunn4618]

Maybe he just had to pee real bad.

[@BlackWhirlies]

He is one of the gifts that keeps on giving. I have listened to Bream for nearly 50 years, yet I had never heard these live performances of the Albeniz pieces before. He is indeed the master of classical guitar, with Bream you can always hear the music.

[@jean-francoisreille3109]

Merveilleuse interprétation du "nocturnal" de Benjamin BRITTEN. Merci à vous, Julian BREAM.

[@tedcabana]

Julian Bream was the first guitarist I ever saw live, at Mechanics Hall in Worcester mass, probably in 78 or 79. I met him back stage, shook his hand and he signed my concert program, which I still have today. He was my first guitar inspiration, and one of the best that I can ever remember. May his legend live a thousand years, as will his master, Andreas Segovia. May you all live forever in Guitar heaven. And may you continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.

[@AJBMusic]

R.I.P. Master Julian Bream. Thank you for your music and 50 years of inspiration.

[@RandyH524]

The video that restarted my passion for guitar. Simply beautiful. RIP Julian, your music will be forever played.

[@djsebastian1]

Rest in Peace Maestro. He was the person that inspired me to play guitar. The man with the best tone!

[@OpheliaEnsemble]

Bream is the prince of guitar - no one else comes close. Marvelous!

[@bengullett2837]

Few people appreciate the sound and complex arrangements of this music now days, but some of us are very grateful for your gift to us, Rest in Peace Julian.

[@jc1125]

I saw him perform in Buffalo, New York in 1991. I find I like him more as I get older.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Beautifully and soulfully played. Julian is definitely an emotional musician. He puts feeling into the song.

[@alexmurphy5289]

RIP. His explanation and appreciation for natural reverb like that is incredible

[@howardmay1951]

Rest in peace. You will forever be an inspiration to many people.

[@pseudopo]

Thank you mr. Julian Bream for saving the night 🌙

[@rdubb77]

Phenomenal concert. Bream at his deep, honest best. Clean? Mostly. From the heart? Completely. And if you've ever performed the BWV 998 live, you know the development section of the Fugue is a beast.

[@nickunderwood6175]

🎉

[@bruiser420]

Beautiful!! 99 goofballs dislike this. Silly. His fingers are terpsichorean little angels. Bravo Mr. Bream.!!

[@jerrybecker1628]

I completely agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee with u! Terpsichore---------------great onomatopoetic word!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@StephiSensei26]

Even the simple pleasure of watching these wonderful programs again after so many years, is still completely inspirational. Thank you Julian!

[@geezerdombroadcast]

Even as an untrained amateur, one can tell this is something very special. What magic it is that Julian had the desire, and the discipline to practice so diligently so we may hear this glorious music. If there's anything sacred in the universe it must have some connection with this music, and it's interpretation by Julian. He has literally healed my mind, and my body from serious illness, just by falling into the dream of his music. We can't thank him enough.

[@stephenguitartracey]

Brilliant! Never a boring moment. Bream certainly knew how to bend phrases musically.

[@jasonkeenan4154]

What I wouldn't give to be seated in this wonderful venue filling my ears with the sounds of Bach via Julian Bream. At least we have KZbin for that.

[@MarkInLA]

The man's memory alone is phenomenal...to sit there through all that musical work without missing a note. The Bach !! Pheeeeeeeeeeew ! The VillaLobos !!....stunning !!

[@markoconnor3763]

I was so fortunate to see the great JB at Wigmore Hall, and will never forget the superb performance from a classical maestro. A sad loss, but the impression and memory of the sound of his playing still remains.

[@metteholm4833]

As I live in Copenhagen, DK, I have several times heard him in the beautiful Odd Fellow Palais in Great Kings Street. Wonderful acoustics! It burned some years ago, but have been rebuilt.

[@SpeedCrits]

21:40 Granada by Albeniz. The most beautiful interpretation ever.

[@morseguitar]

Thank you for posting this wonderful concert. I have indicated below the start times of each piece/movement. Bach Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-flat major, BWV 998 01:30 Prelude 04:06 Fugue 10:09 Allegro Villa-Lobos Preludes, W419 12:41 Prelude No. 3 in A minor: Andante 15:28 Prelude No. 1n E minor: Andantino espressivo 19:15 Prelude No. 2 in E major: Andantino Albéniz Suite Española, Op. 47 21:43 Granada 26:34 Cádiz 30:30 Sevilla Britten Nocturnal After John Dowland, op.70 34:42 Musingly 36:17 Very Agitated 37:02 Restless 38:37 Uneasy 39:46 March-like 41:07 Dreaming 42:39 Gently Rocking 43:30 Passacaglia 47:17 Come, Heavy Sleep (Dowland)

[@shooshieroberts3913]

Bream is a musician in the class of Henryk Szeryng, Mstislav Rostropovich, Marta Argerich, and James Galway. He controls the line with a mastery of technique few guitarists seem able, coaxing out melodies of amazing continuity and accompaniment of perfect rhythms, timbres, and feel. Listening to him play is a rare treat, and it would be nice to be able to focus on a single piece from start to finish without a commercial advertisement interrupting the whole spell being cast. It’s the internet, and I realize we’re all bumpkins here, but might we time the commercials for breaks between songs, perhaps during applause? It’s the least we could do for a late master who still lights our way.

[@sophie4636]

I highly recommend KZbin premium - a small price to pay for no ads

[@JORGEHGF]

Favio Lima, from Brazil, was the winner of the Julian Bream award for the last time, assisted and chosen by himself, at his home in England. He competed in the final with an English and a French guitarist. And he brought us recognition of his talent by Master Bream. Listen to Fabio Lima on the internet. His interpretations of classics and popular music are stupendous. One of the largest in the world today.

[@jazzerson7087]

Yeah I can't believe Bream never got a knighthood for his services to classical music!!

[@barristanselmy2758]

He deserved a knighthood.

[@reneout1000]

Neither can I. For his contribution to music!

[@ColinBurnside]

Funny i thought exactly the same thing and posted it. He did get a life times achievement award from Classic FM but its not the same his contribution to classical baroque and modern classical is outstanding.

[@barristanselmy2758]

Beautiful finger work..

[@msotil]

I would not be surprised if Julian Bream, a man of such incredible talent and modesty to match does not miss such awards. Economist Thomas Piketty recently refused France's "Legion d’honneur" expressing that it was not up to a government to confer honor. He said: “I refuse this nomination because I do not think it is the government’s role to decide who is honourable,...”

[@verycoyman]

Damn I tell ya I was having a shitty night, but Bream's masterfully beautiful playing puts me at peace. Amazing.

[@newislandguitar]

So we learn to totally ignore the dislikes as completely irrelevant and without credibility from those whom imagine that world class performers like Bream and others actually need their "nod of approval" or that they persuade the rest of us in any way. An anonymous dislike without so much as the investment of a one word comment borders on insanity considering no one cares. It's like arguing with oneself. Gorgeous playing as always by Bream. This 1978 concert performance is the standard we guitarist hope to achieve not to mention his later performances.He is one beast of a musician and performer! Great concert.

[@osobuco232]

yes ,but the reality is that in this video his sound is horrible ,just consider it reality is reality

[@davidmann116]

this music transports me from the stormy places of my mind and into the contemplative ccoolness of rest

[@CosmosNut]

Lucky to see him once just before this was taped, rest in peace, and thank you for all the great music!

[@ASanGuitar]

Thank you for your guitar music and I always remember you.

[@lanie-ok]

God I love him. Best guitarist ever. The one and only. Heaven.

[@julianwontner1712]

Yes an acknowledged world artist with classical guitar music he ought to have been offered a knighthood a decade ago. What a pure joy to listen to this. Thank you for posting it for us to dream through music. Brilliant. Bless him forever.

[@sledge1960]

Couldn't agree more about the knighthood, or indeed, the lack of same, then again you wouldn't expect class or good taste from the likes of Blair, not enough votes for him in Julian Bream.

[@tom.mihail9366]

Bream couldn't give a shit about such things; he'd rather have a good bottle of wine instead! 😂

[@pjc1954]

Quite right Tom, he would never have accepted a knighthood - a couple of free tickets for an Ashes series would have been nice though!

[@kumgangpoepsa]

Great, amazing. Listen to Bach's fugue and its voices perfectly clear...beautiful.

[@herbertrude1689]

What a rare treasure is this concert. Vale Julian Bream - a master of his instrument and in transmitting his joy in 'plucking' it.

[@marcoszanettibodziak737]

RIP dear maestro. Nos deixastes um grande legado musical para o violão!

[@mpdalles]

Rest in peace, caro Maestro. Thank you for bringing beauty into this world.

[@eugeneobrien9064]

I’ll never be able to play the guitar anything like as well as Julian Bream, but if I could just replicate the facial expressions I’d be happy.

[@liviasennis7541]

Beautiful,wonderful Julian Bream. Unique touch.He’s forever with me.

[@jeanpierresantini9364]

Une merveille ces interprétation du maître julian Bream Reposez en paix maestro vous nous laissez un héritage musical 🎵 inestimable 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@jamessalyers6382]

As a guitar player of blues and jazz I must say his technique is amazing. Iv never seen a player get more out of one position then him. Unreal. Great to see it.

[@reneout1000]

I can teach you.....

[@mikecolitti8741]

"Plucking" works with Bach

[@Xystusify]

Yeah, I think it's because his work with lute, to much nails.. but nevertheless so expressive!

[@barristanselmy2758]

How that fuck is his tone bad? Iv'e never heard anyone say that. His tone is beautiful.

[@aarongreen7556]

What? Tone is what makes Bream the best there is. There is no guitarist who creates such soundscapes as he. You're entitled to your opinion of course but it's about 180 degrees from not only mine but most guitarists and guitar aficionados I know.

[@3dulimited952]

Heavenly music played by an extraordinary man🙏

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

such an amazing musical man , you have to play this great instrument to realise how difficult the music here is and how easy he makes it look , never saw him live which is sad for me , i wonder how he spends his days now , does he play , can he play as well and his gigantic repertoire ,

[@eschelar]

shouldn't take much research to find out that shortly after this performance, he had an accident which he feels he recovered fully from, but many feel still rubbed a little polish from his performance. Now, in his 80's he is plagued with arthritis and finds playing painful. I believe he still practices. In one interview a few years back, he said he still practices around 2 hrs a day, but I don't know if that's still true. I'm sure it feels more like fighting with his joints rather than playing beautiful music. He struggled to play a simple Sor piece.

[@VladTheImpaler454]

No he doesn't play any more. Recently broke his leg as well I think as he was knocked down by his neighbours dog. Must be tough growing old and no longer being able to play properly, dreading it myself.

[@maltfusion6743]

Such a tragedy to be a giant and not to be able to play. Millstein, Horowitz and Stern played till the end and with gusto.

[@jazzerson7087]

Bucky Pizzarelli and Kenny Burrell are still playing at around 90 odd. They're very lucky, though naturally both are very stiff handed now and find fast runs difficult. I'm sure Bream hasn't quit playing entirely, but is hampered as you say with age.

[@eschelar]

Yeah that accident really messed with him. I broke my hand when I was a teenager and in certain types of weather, playing the guitar is much harder and more painful. And I'm not even 40 yet!

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

“Every time I play a piece, I present myself with another set of problems, which I want to solve. I find, in trying to solve these problems, I can reshape and re-invigorate each performance. So often the music seems quite fresh to me, simply because I may have tried to change the quality of sound of a particular note. This means the that the note which precedes it and the note that comes after, tend to be a little different also. Music-making for me is a constant voyage of discovery. (…) I find I am constantly searching for the true spirit of a piece of music.” (Tony Palmer, Julian Bream, A Life on the Road, p. 186)

[@davidfreel1451]

At DOD, Lovely quote, I try to start every day on my guitar like that. If he were talking about improvising and not interpreting then you wouldn't need to change a single word.

[@dudleydevine8264]

A truly wonderful musician. As he said, he got better every year until his body gave out. A truly wonderful musician. Love Julian forever. RIP, Maestro

[@josegarciamaldonado8705]

Para mi es el mejor guitarrista que he oido . Descanse en paz

[@robinterkzer8128]

Julian Bream is in the Pantheon of the all-time greats ! xxxxxxx

[@speedyneutrino1729]

I tried to tear myself away from this video...........to no avail. I listened until the very end..Thanks for posting this virtuoso performance.

[@comiconworldccw4687]

My favorite classical guitar player of all time. His playing has had a lasting influence on my own playing as a bar that can be reached for over 40 years . I saw Julian on this tour when he came to Princeton New Jersey , after hearing him play on the radio. Thank you Julian . So magical to watch and listen to the concert all over again 40 years later .

[@leejohnson769]

I remember hearing him give a lute/guitar recital in McCarter Theatre at Princeton, probably back in 1965. Utterly transfixing, it was.

[@narizgrande]

Julian Bream - The cleanest flow of tone through difficult changes of all time...and he memorized the music... 🙌

[@vextract4662]

THE Maestro! All from memory not one fudge...amazing.

[@MarkInLA]

Vex tract Ditto !

[@janicegeorge-allen1924]

A Beautiful Concert......old wardour. wonderful place for the guitar.

[@medievalmusiclover]

One of the few great guitarrists. Sir. Bream!!!!!!!!

[@kasonreeves5931]

An incredible legacy and the greatest classical guitarist of his time. RIP maestro Bream

[@65attila]

What glorious performances of wonderful music. BRAVO.

[@lankylankster7148]

My smile BREAMS from ear to ear when I listen to this...

[@johndinu2347]

Wonderful. Sir Bream, the best. Enjoy.

[@sherifsharaf7152]

Thanks for sharing. It's always great to see a real master at work. He exactly knows what he wants to say. Just beautiful.

[@richardmernoe6899]

Such a great guitarist. Been a fan since I heard Julian Bream in 1970, the album Classic Guitar (Guiliani, Sor, Diabelli and Mozart) Still one of many favourites.

[@susansever1525]

beloved guitarist Julian Bream - always

[@Friedrich664]

Thanks so much for posting this. I also saw him play. It was Wigmore Hall, London, about 1981. I was 18 or so, and I switched from rock to classical at that time. The difference between me and Heike is that I still suck. But you are right about the risk-taking of Bream. It was not a perfect concert, but it was the most enjoyable guitar concert I've experienced. Bream is my favourite guitarist of any genre.

[@cathyjanekeen4114]

Cathy keen.This takes me to fourth five years .My guitar teacher in London recommended Julian as a skill model

[@cathyjanekeen4114]

This takes me back fourt y-five years.My guitar teacher inLondon recommendedJulian as a skill model.

[@marialuisa4227]

Stunning. Magnificent piece. Beautifully interpreted, sounds like magic.

[@johnschilling1219]

I MUST ADD ANYONE ANYWHERE BLESSED TO HAVE LISTENED TO HIM WERE ENRICHED WHAT JOYFUL EXPRESSION I WILL ETERNALLY BE GLAD I COULD HEAR!

[@trapezoidspangle934]

Whoever made the decision to put ads on this masterpiece is a massive CLINT!!

[@bobbiemay6585]

Beautiful! One of my childhood heroes.

[@Michajeru]

Such a treasure to have these recordings of the great Julian Bream. I always find him inspiring and his music never fails to touch my soul.

[@Ago212]

Sei il mio idolo, Juliam...Grazie per tutto ciò che mi hai dato nella tua vita di chitarrista. Omaggio a te !

[@missmaryhdream6560]

More than beautiful, expertease, looks effortless. Brilliant.

[@CosmosNut]

When I saw him At DeAnza in Cupertino, CA, back in the mid 70's (also saw Sabicas, Segovia, Montoya... others that summer at DeAnza) he motioned that he had his guitars made on his estate. If this is from that time i wonder? Blew us all away completely on mandolin to start, and then on the guitar buried us. Si9mply amazing and a true master.

[@tmjcbs]

That is right: Jose Romanillos, the maker of the guitar he is playing in this concert, had a sort of workshop in a building on Bream's estate. You should view the video 'Julian Bream - a life in the country' (not on youtube, so it seems) where you see this on film, very interesting! Eeehhh.....I presume he started on the lute, Bream doesn't play the mandolin.

[@CosmosNut]

Thank you for that information.

[@dennismosercreativearts]

Since first seeing him perform back in the late 60's (and meeting him and hanging out a bit with him then), he would often start his performances first on the lute, then the guitar. So that is probably what CosmosNut is describing ...

[@CosmosNut]

Sorry my mistake - meant 'lute'

[@eltrav7151]

Julian Bream is simply the consummate allround musician, but also what about the pairing of the great guitarist or our era and that of the vast talents of the isntruments of Jose Romanillos. As near to perfection as one could hope to get. Thank You to what ever or who ever brought these two men together.

[@jazzerson7087]

The first 12 minutes in particularly are so beautiful and are incredibly inspiring to guitarists such as myself who are constantly trying to improve. I listen to this nearly every day to keep me on my toes!

[@Anton_the_Vampire]

One of my two favourite guitarists of all time. It's so wonderful that we still have his amazing performances to enjoy.

[@briankatejohnstone1884]

When a composer like Britten writes a whole, complex -and according to the maestro himself "almost unplayable on the guitar" like the ending nocturnal, for one musician, you know they are above and beyond. And don't forget J.B.'s single-handed revival of the baroque Lute in it's original form and for latter day arrangements (again a suite by Britten -The courtly Dances -with a twist). For all those who think he's "struggling" -leave your critical egos at the door and just LISTEN to the most deeply emotional and interpretive classical guitarist in our lifetimes, if not ever. BTW I've met him and he has a very English sense of humor, is VERY human and down-to-earth with it all; the sort of guy you happily could go for a pint with. Also, he has a strong Jazz and improvisational background from his father and the great French-Belgian Gypsy Guitarist, Django Reinhardt. Check out the video of the "Nuages" duet with Stephan Grapelli on the occasion of the latter's 70th birthday on KZbin. He is, in the fullest sense of the term -a "full hand" on his chosen instrument. He once stated that "God gave me a very clumsy set of fingers"; it looks to me that his God also gave him -if you look closely- an extended left had little ("pinkie") finger, unless it's from constant practice. You can't buy or deny true creativity.

[@Soytu19]

True that, Bream is in total control of the technique. He masters his fingers and not otherwise. The nocturnal was played perfectly. The people who say such things are only frustrated guitarists.

[@johnshort5003]

I agree with everything you say Brian. I saw that concert with Grapelli years ago on TV and so glad you reminded me as I'll look it up on You Tube. I think JB must have been modest about his fingers as in my opinion a pair of hands can be trained to do just about anything. If he had an extended left-hand pinkie that would definitely help in the Villa-Lobos study number one. I could never quite make that stretch from the E major chord to the G sharp on the bottom E string.

[@patriciazdz2155]

grande émotion de regarder ce concert aujourd'hui .... R.I.P. Monsieur Bream ...

[@jendisini5104]

Thanks for posting this. The sound quality is amazing