I'm not a fan of John Williams but I am a fan of Leo Brouwer, arguably the best living composer for the guitar, and Brouwer wrote this concerto for Williams, knowing exactly what his strengths are and his personality as a guitarist. I have heard other recordings of this concerto which only demonstrate how good this one is. The playing, both soloist and orchestra, is thrilling, bringing home why this concerto should be better-known and more popular than it is. Anyone who enjoys the Villa Lobos concerto would immediately relate to this, which is not to say it in any way immitates that work. It's just that both composers really undestand the guitar, the soul of it as well as all its technical possibilities. The Decameron Negro has been recorded by several excellent guitarists. If you prefer one to another it boils down to intriguing subtleties, there is no clear winner, but for the concerto there is.
