La Catedral

A Spiritual Masterpiece in Three Movements

La Catedral, Agustín Barrios’ monumental three-movement suite, is a cornerstone of the South American guitar repertoire. Inspired by the sounds and atmosphere outside Montevideo Cathedral, the piece transitions from the melancholic “Preludio Saudade” to the majestic “Allegro Solemne.” John Williams’ interpretation captures the profound spiritual depth and architectural grandeur of the composition, highlighting the unique lyricism of Barrios’ style. The complexity and layered textures here offer a beautiful contrast to the fiery, rhythmic demands of Spanish classics like Asturias (Leyenda), showcasing Williams’ versatile mastery of the instrument’s emotional range. This performance is mandatory listening for those exploring the deepest expressive capabilities of the nylon-string guitar.