Customer Reviews

Seville Concert [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Why this title has got 5-star rating is quite no doubt. In 1995, I bought that Seville Concert in LD format. I went to Singapore last August (2004) and found that title, in DVD format, at both the Boulder bookstore, at Orchard Road, and the HMV music store (Capital Theatre & Building branch), at North Bridge Road. The price is about SG$ 40-45 (around US$ 25-28), tax excluded. I bought one.

The disc is provided by Sony Classical and distributed by Sony Music Asia. The catalog number is SVD 53475. It is all-zone (playable anywhere without region-code restriction), NTSC (compatible with US TV broadcasting system), 118.59 minutes length. It bears a bar code "4 893391 105890". I believe that this disc is made in Germany. The main difference between DVD format and LD format is that the DVD starts with the Seville Concert, while the LD starts with the Film Profile (documentary that shows JW 's playing techniques and life style. The only flaw I found is that, unlike LD, there is no chapter selection offered for the part of the Film Profile. That means you can only fast forward if you want to search for some contents. You can't use the skip button on your remote control or your player.

I hope this title will be offered as DVD format in the USA soon.

This man is truely a gift to the world of the classical guitar. His technique is so flawless, and he economizes finger motion so effectively, that the music appears to flow without effort. The reason I olny rated this video with 4 stars was due to the decision of the film maker to cut away to scenery at pivotal points in many of the works. While the scenery is striking, anyone wishing to observe the master's technique will be quite perturbed-as I was. None the less, a phenomenal video. (Don't forget to watch the documentary after the concert!)

John Williams has created one of the most beautiful and educational music videos of all time. Filmed at the Palacio Alcazar in Seville, Spain, surrounded by beautiful moorish architecture and quaint interior patios with lovely gardens and fountains, transfers the viewer into another world. If you've never seen Williams perform in person, then please purchase this video in order to witness his perfect technique and style.

Really terrific video. The selections are representative of the classic Spanish repertoire. Of course, Williams is fantastic. The production values are high.

If watching this master guitarist playing weren't enough, the video includes a full bio on Williams. This was almost as engrossing as his playing, as one gets a rare glimpse into the life an extraordinary guitarist. Williams excitement as he talks about his own favorite players and composers is the best commentary on his approach.

My only reasons for less than a five star rating:

1) As Williams plays, the camera spends much of the time on his surroundings which, while often quite serene and always beautiful, robs the viewer of the opportunity to see Williams' technique. For a both the aspiring and accomplished guitarist, the video soars when the camera lights on Williams fingers.
2) DVD. The ability to instantly cue up a specific performance would have significantly enhanced this video.

The absolute beauty of Williams approach to the guitar, however, and it's ocassional didactic value, is enough for me to lovingly lug my clunky VHS tape for as long as I tote my guitar.

If you play the classical guitar and are a John Williams fan then you have to get this video. John Williams doesn't release most of his transcriptions. For example, you can't buy his trascription of Asturias. However, on this video you can watch John Williams and learn how to play Asturias as he does, or at least try to :}. The second part of the video is a documentary about the man which is very interesting.

levels are so LOW that they barely register on my player which is a shame because this is a magnificent video. The film is high definition and is is strikingly clear! the repetoire is essential and Mr Williams playing is impecable. Besides the concert there is a wonderful film Profile of this legendary guitarist which doubles the length of the production... CLEARLY this is a 5 star PLUS ...value I just can't get around the phenomenal blunder at the point of production of the videos when setting the level so unbelievably low.

This Video is not for the Guitarist wanna-be. Be warned, if you watch this video, you may never feel worthy to pick up a guitar again. He's a Master and we can't even touch his tuning pegs. The best collection of vurtuosity I have ever seen.

I cannot believe how this guy plays... it seems effortlestly. As for the video, it is well done with lots of variations on the type of music he plays. If you are a serious guitar player, you should watch this video for inspiration. John Williams will inspire you.

I am rather new to the classical guitar world. I think that this video is great. Not only do they show William's hands plenty but I think that the scenery adds to the wonderful music. The profile of him after the concert is worth the price of the video alone. You just can't lose if you purchase this video. I think it is a great buy.

I don't have enough superlatives to describe this video. I'll just say that I ordered two extras to give to friends. There should be more like this of other great guitarists also.