Available CDs

The Classical Banjo works by Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti Review on jsbach.org by Jan Hanford: Review by Jan Hanford:

"John Bullard has attracted international attention for his work in developing and transcribing classical repertoire for the five-string banjo. And the attention is well-deserved. Just to be clear: these are not bluegrass renditions of baroque music, they are straightforward, authentic and lovely performances of exact transcriptions from the originals. The banjo is clearly the equal to any of its baroque relatives and makes an easy and delightful transition to these familiar, and some not familiar, baroque pieces.

I fell in love with the banjo after just a few minutes of listening. John Bullard's mastery of the banjo is astonishing. He is on the same level as traditional classical guitar performances and, with his musical sensitivity and outstanding technique, has exceeded some. His ornamentation, variation of tone and dynamics are excellent and his interpretation reflects both intelligence and emotion. The delicate sound of the banjo, and the appropriately understated accompanying instruments, creates an intimate musical experience.

The interpretations of Bach are, of course, beautiful. But the addition of some of his contemporaries is also excellent; the Scarlatti is particularly well done. And the combinations of instruments, i.e. the banjo and cello for the John Downland, is really gorgeous. I love everything about this recording and highly recommend it! "

Artist: John Bullard, banjo John Patykula, classical guitar Steve Bennett, harp guitar Willliam Comita, cello Greg Glannascoli, vibraphone
Record Label: Dargason Music, Catalog # DMCD-115, 1990-1994

Tracks: J.S. Bach:

• Invention #13, BWV 784
• Prelude from Cello Suite #1, BWV 1007
• Invention #8, BWV 779
• Bouree #2 from Cello Suite #4, BWV 1010
• Invention #2, BWV 773
• Gavotte en Rondeau from Violin Partita #3, BWV 1006
• Menuets #1 and #2 from Cello Suite #2, BWV 1008
• Bauerntanz
• Invention #14, BWV 785
• Courante from Cello Suite #1, BWV 1007

  Also on this recording:

• Kemp's Jig
• D. Scarlatti: Sonata L. 271
• G.F. Handel: Menuet
• D. Scarlatti: Capriccio L. 84
• Robert DeVisee: Prelude
• D. Scarlatti: Sonata L.104
• John Downland: The King of Denmark's Galliard
• G.F. Handel: Sonatina/Govotte
• Ludovico Roncalli: Passacaglia from Guitar Suite #5

Review by Jan Hanford from jsbach.org:

"John Bullard has attracted international attention for his work in developing and transcribing classical repertoire for the five-string banjo. And the attention is well-deserved. This recording is a beautiful collection of familiar baroque pieces performed on banjo, guitar, mandolin, cello, violin and harpsichord. Usually, it is just the banjo and guitar playing in duet. Just to be clear: these are not bluegrass renditions of baroque music, they are straightforward, authentic and lovely performances of exact transcriptions from the originals. In this recording the banjo becomes an instrument the equal to any of its baroque relatives. The short decay and overtone resonance of the banjo evokes an old-world sound usually reserved for authentic-instruments performances.

One can easily imagine that if the banjo had existed in 18th century Europe that it would now have its own often-performed classical repertoire. John is an accomplished musician, presenting a variety of tone color, beautifully executed ornamentation, and a sensitive interpretation. These pieces become fragile and intimate in his hands and the overall effect is peaceful and austere. He and the other musicians on the recording contribute to the transcriptions and they've done a masterful job. The use of single bowed string instruments for the Vivaldi Concerto maintains the feeling of intimacy and allows the banjo solo to take centre stage.

I highly recommend this recording, especially to fans of the guitar but also to Baroque music lovers in general. This recording proves that Bach is truly for everyone. I find it exciting that every musician has the power and ability to adapt Bach for their favorite instrument and make it their own; giving us the opportunity to benefit from their love of the music and also to hear it in a new way. "

Artist: John Bullard, banjo John Patykula, classical guitar Neil Gladd, mandolin Paul Stokes, steel string guitar Catherine Hubert, violin Yen Yu, violin Molly Ruze, violin William Comita, cello Michael Grant, harpsichord

J.S. Bach:

• Prelude from Violin Partita No. 3, BWV Anh. 116
• Menuet in G Minor,
  Musette in D Major, BWV Anh. 126
• Fugue in G Minor (the "Little" Fugue), BWV 278
• Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach:
  Menuet in G Major, BWV 114/115
  Polonaise in G Minor, BWV Anh. 119
  Marche in G Major (C.P.E. Bach), BWV Anh. 124

  Also on this recording:

• G.F. Handel: Hornpipe (from Water Music)
  A. Vivaldi: Concerto in D Major (originally for Lute)
• F. Couperin: Mysterious Barricades
  A. Vivaldi: Concert in G Major (originally for two mandolins)
• Padre Martini: Gavotte
• G.P. Telemann: Concerto in C Major