Spanish Guitar Favourites

Released in 1989, 'Spanish Guitar Favourites' serves as a definitive showcase of John Williams' mid-career technical peak. While Williams is often noted for his 'cool' and 'objective' approach to the guitar, this collection of Spanish and Latin American repertoire reveals a softer, more evocative side of his playing. The tracklist is a curated journey through the Iberian tradition, featuring staples like Albeniz's 'La torre bermeja' alongside more obscure gems like Llobet's 'Variations on a Catalan Folk Song.' The production is notably dry, a hallmark of Williams' preference for clarity over cavernous reverb, which allows the listener to hear the physical mechanics of the performance. Critics, including those at AllMusic, have praised the album for its accessibility and the sheer perfection of Williams' execution, often citing it as a primary entry point for those new to classical guitar. It stands as a bridge between the rigid formal structures of classical music and the vibrant, rhythmic soul of Spanish folk music.