William Carter

American guitarist William Carter has recorded the music of Francesco Corbetta, Santiago de Murcia, and Fernando Sor for Linn Records.

Born in Florida, Carter received a thorough training as a modern guitarist with Bruce Holzman at The Florida State University before falling in love with the earlier plucked instruments and the world of historical performance. Following initial guidance from Pat O'Brien in New York City, he travelled to London as a Fulbright Scholar where he studied the Lute with Nigel North and quickly established himself as one of the leading players on old instruments.

Concert tours and festival appearances followed throughout Europe, Asia and North and South America both as an orchestral player and as a chamber musician and soloist with his own group, Palladians. Carter has an extensive discography (including 10 CD's with Palladians) and has featured on numerous recordings of the Academy of Ancient Music and The English Concert, for both of which he acts as principal lutenist.

He is also an enthusiastic teacher and is Professor of Baroque Studies and Lute at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. 2005 saw a new development in Carter's career as his exploration of the world of the baroque guitar led to the release of his first solo album "La Guitarre Royalle: The music of Francesco Corbetta" (Linn CKD 185) which has been widely praised and named in Gramophone's ‘Critic's Choice' list for 2005. In 2007 Carter released his second solo album on Linn "La Guitarra Espanola" (Linn CKD 288) which was awarded Gramophone Editor's Choice.

William Carter is a great champion of the baroque guitar. His 2004 release of works by Francesco Corbetta proves that he has a unique affinity for the instrument. Carter’s playing is imbued with subtlety and expression while shying away from the aggressive approach commonly heard in other early guitarists. The first Chaconne on the recording is a perfect example of Carter’s ability to evoke the sensual side of the Baroque.

Carter’s 2007 release of music by Santiago de Murcia stands in contrast to his earlier one. The energy and flavor of Murcia’s works are brought out with a sense of flair appropriate to Spanish music of the period. The program also includes a suite inspired by Spanish composer Gaspar Sanz. Carter is joined by a gambist Susanne Heinrich who provides elegant accompaniment in a few pieces.

Spanish composer Fernando Sor was a favorite among a number of 20th-century modern guitarists. As result, there are dozens of recordings of Sor’s music. As for recordings on period guitar—well, there aren’t many. Carter’s latest release, performed on a copy based 19th-century models, is a truly welcome addition. His ability to transport the listener is, again, evident in his playing—full of refinement, elegance, and beautiful touch.

William Carter’s recording of Sor’s music may be purchased from the Linn Records website.