If Andrés Segovia made the guitar a concert instrument, Julian Bream (1933–2020) made it adventurous. The English guitarist and lutenist was one of the supreme musicians of his era, and he did two things almost no one else managed: he brought the lute back to life, and he persuaded the great composers of his time to write landmark new music for the guitar.
An English original
Bream grew up in London and was partly inspired by Segovia's recordings, but he was largely self-directed, developing a sound and a musical personality all his own — earthier, more daring and more rhythmically alive than the prevailing style. Alongside the guitar he took up the lute, becoming the leading figure in its twentieth-century revival and founding the Julian Bream Consort to perform Renaissance music on period instruments.
Inspiring a new repertoire
Bream's most important legacy, like Segovia's before him, is the music he called into being. He inspired and premiered major works by leading composers, including Benjamin Britten's Nocturnal after John Dowland — often considered the greatest guitar piece of the twentieth century — William Walton's Five Bagatelles, and works by Lennox Berkeley, Malcolm Arnold, Hans Werner Henze and Toru Takemitsu. Where Segovia had favoured Romantic and Spanish idioms, Bream opened the guitar to the serious contemporary music of his day.
The guitars he played
Bream's instruments were central to his sound. He played fine guitars including a Hauser and instruments by the Spanish-English maker José Romanillos, who built celebrated guitars for him. His partnership with his makers, and his exacting ear for tone, influenced a generation of luthiers.
Recordings and partnership
A prolific recording artist, Bream left a vast discography spanning the lute, the Spanish repertoire, Bach and the new British music. He also formed a celebrated duo with John Williams, the two greatest guitarists of their generation playing side by side. Together, his recordings remain a benchmark of intelligence and character.
His legacy
Bream showed that the classical guitar could be both deeply historical — reaching back to the lute and Dowland — and boldly modern. He expanded what the instrument plays and how expressively it can be played. For many guitarists he is the model of the complete, curious, fearless musician.
FAQ
What was Julian Bream known for?
Being one of the great 20th-century guitarists, reviving the lute, and inspiring major new guitar works such as Britten's Nocturnal.
What guitars did he play?
Fine instruments including a Hauser and guitars by José Romanillos, who built celebrated guitars for him.
Did he record with John Williams?
Yes — Bream and John Williams formed a famous guitar duo.
