James Meade records at GSI

James Meade visited GSI and recorded five videos! James Meade is a classical guitarist from Eastern Kentucky who currently resides in Cincinnati. James has given concerts throughout the United States, Ecuador, and Italy. Recent performance venues include: Cincinnati’s Music Hall, Eastern Kentucky University, Music For All Seasons, Universidad Espíritu Santo in Ecuador, Pikeville University, Christ Church Cathedral, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Incontri Chitarristici di Gargnano in Italy.

The "Allegro" from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003", is the final movement of the sonata and is a vibrant, high-energy conclusion to the piece. The movement is driven by a continuous flow of sixteenth notes, giving it rhythmic momentum. James recorded this piece on a 2024 Wolfgang Jellinghaus "Torres 77" classical guitar made with spruce top and maple back and sides.

James Meade performed his arrangement of "Tomorrow's Song" from "Living Room Songs" by Ólafur Arnalds. This minimalist and emotive piano piece is a reflection of Arnalds' signature style, blending classical and ambient elements. The composition creates a serene, introspective atmosphere, built around delicate, repeating motifs that gradually evolve. James recorded this piece on a 2015 Masaki Sakurai "PC" classical guitar made with cedar top and CSA rosewood back and sides.

Manuel Ponce’s 24 Preludes were composed between 1929 and 1932 and reflect the close collaboration between Ponce and the legendary guitarist Andrés Segovia. Each prelude is distinct, presenting a wide variety of styles and moods. Ponce draws inspiration from European classical traditions, as well as Mexican folk music, while maintaining an intimate understanding of the guitar's technical and expressive capabilities. Here James performs numbers seven, one, and fourteen. James recorded this video on THREE different guitars - a 2024 German Vazquez Rubio "Divina" CD/PE, a 2022 Jochen Rothel SP/CH, and a 2024 Otto Vowinkel "2a Double Top" CD/IN.

"Malagueña" is the fifth piece from Isaac Albéniz’s España, Op. 165, composed in 1890. Originally written for piano, it reflects Albéniz’s deep connection with Spanish musical idioms, specifically from Andalusia. Though written for piano, the Malagueña has been widely transcribed for classical guitar, where it fits naturally due to the guitar’s strong association with Spanish folk music, particularly flamenco. It remains a favorite in both piano and guitar repertoires, celebrated for its fiery yet lyrical character. This was recorded on a 2019 Michel Bélair "Hommage a Daniel Friederich" classical guitar made with cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides.

"An Idea (Passacaglia for Eli)" is a composition by Cuban composer and guitarist Leo Brouwer, written in 1999. The piece is dedicated to Eli Kassner, a prominent guitarist and educator known for his contributions to the guitar community. The work exemplifies Brouwer's ability to blend contemporary classical techniques with traditional elements, resulting in a rich and evocative musical experience. James recorded this piece on a 2021 Bertrand Ligier classical guitar made with cedar and Indian rosewood.