J.S. Bach: Suite No. 4, BWV 1069 in D Major (trans

by Paul Galbraith

on J. S. Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra BWV 1066-1069, arr. Guitar quartet

in Classical

This review is for the whole album. Paul Galbraith teams up with three other guitarists here (Edelton & Everton Gloeden, Tadeu do Amaral) as the Brazilian Guitar Quartet in arrangements of Bach's well-known Orchestral Suites. In general, large-scale orchestral works don't work too well when scaled down for the guitar, but these pieces come out surprisingly full of spirit. Galbraith has previously tackled transcriptions of Bach's violin sonatas and partitas with beautiful effect, and here he shows he's up to the task of taking on the whole orchestra. The quartet's overall sound is well-balanced and integrated, maybe even a bit too smooth. If you enjoy Bach and enjoy the guitar, there's plenty to like in this set.