Date of Birth: July 15, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: August 14, 2020
Biography
Julian Bream was an acclaimed English classical guitarist and lutenist, renowned for his profound influence on the development of the classical guitar and lute in the 20th century. Born on July 15, 1933, in London, Bream was introduced to music at an early age by his father, an amateur jazz guitarist. He began formal music education at the Royal College of Music, studying piano and composition, but his passion for the guitar led him to self-teach the instrument and eventually the lute. Bream’s career took off in the early 1950s, and over the next several decades, he became known for his expressive playing and technical proficiency. He expanded the classical guitar repertoire by commissioning new works from contemporary composers and transcribing pieces originally written for other instruments. His collaborations with other musicians, especially in chamber music settings, further enriched the landscape of classical guitar music. Bream’s discography is extensive, featuring recordings of solo guitar, lute music, and collaborations with orchestras and chamber ensembles. His contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1964, followed by the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1985.
5 Interesting Facts about Julian Bream
1. Julian Bream began playing the guitar at the age of 11, inspired by his father’s jazz guitar playing.
2. He gave his first public guitar recital at the age of 13.
3. Bream’s interest in the lute was sparked by the early music revival movement, leading him to become one of the foremost lutenists of his time.
4. He founded the Julian Bream Consort in 1960, one of the first groups dedicated to the performance of early music.
5. Bream was awarded four Grammy Awards throughout his career, solidifying his legacy in classical music.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Julian Bream
1. “Music is a performance and needs the audience, and it needs to be performed.”
2. “I think music is part of the soul. It’s part of the body and the mind.”
3. “The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice.”
4. “The beauty of the guitar lies in its soft, persuasive voice and its ability to alter moods instantly.”
5. “I play the guitar because it lets me express my deepest emotions and communicate without words.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Julian Bream’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Julian Bream did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Julian Bream – Official Website](http://www.julianbreamguitar.com
2. [Julian Bream on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/julian-bream-mn0000827029
3. [Grammy Awards – Julian Bream](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/julian-bream
5. [Julian Bream Discography – Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/1049197-Julian-Bream
