Jonathan Richards

(guitar)

25008    "Elegy" - 20th century British Guitar"
24115    "Sarabande" - music by J S Bach
24119    "Forever" - Romantic Miniatures

Jonathan Richards was born in 1964. and started learning the guitar at the age of eight. His first teacher was Frank Humphries. Later, after a period of self-teaching, he studied with John Arran amongst others, gaining a Performer’s Diploma from Trinity College, London, in 1983.

Since then, he has been active as a guitar teacher and concert performer, working from his base in North Wales. He has recorded previously for the Sain, Serendipity and Meridian labels. Jonathan has also composed prolifically for the guitar, including the works recorded here, a set of "Variations on a French Folk Tune" for guitar and string orchestra, songs and a guitar quartet which has been regularly performed. As well as giving solo recitals, he plays in a duo with pianist John R Williamson, and together they have appeared at many music societies, arts festivals and other venues.

Jonathan’s repertoire is extensive and covers much of the standard literature of the instrument, from the baroque works of Bach, Rameau and Weiss, through the classical period exemplified by Sor and Diabelli, and the Romantic output of composers such as Mendelssohn. Spanish and South American music is particularly well represented including regular performances of works by Albeniz, Barrios, Falla, Granados, Llobet, Mompou, Villa-Lobos and many others.

However, as well as playing conventional guitar repertoire, Jonathan has also made a speciality of new and unusual music. He has given several British premières, and world premières of works by Judith Bingham, Terence Croucher, John Franklin, John Williamson and of course his own compositions.

Jonathan Richards’ discography:

“Elegy” - 20^th century British Guitar Music - Tavener, Rawsthorne, Williamson, Richards, Croucher, Biberian etc
Divine Art CD 25008 (see above)

"Sarabande" - music by J S Bach, transcribed by J Richards
Diversions CD 24115 (see above)

"Forever" - 30 Romantic Guitar Miniatures
Diversions CD 24119 (see above)

Guitar Music of Fernando Sor - including Fanatasia Elegiaca, op.59
(Meridian Records)

Latin American Guitar gems - music from Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Cuba, Chile and Argentina
(Sain Records)

Mosaic - an international guitar collection
(Serendipity) - only available from J  Richards (01492 544259)

Reminiscence - CD Single (20 mins) - new music for flute and guitar
With Andi Edmondson (flute)
only available from J Richards (01492 544259)