BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
December 1946, Vol. XLIV, No. 500, p. 47-48

This column under the subheading "Brilliant Guitarist" contains a summary and stunning review of Julian Bream by Wilfred Appleby. The article focuses on Julian’s performance at the British Federation of BMG Junior Trophy Rally in October. Under the next subheading "Brilliant Pupil", Dr Perott stated that in his whole 56 years experience with the guitar, he had never had such a brilliant pupil. Towards the end of the article, a plea is made toward the readership to help in the quest to provide the young Julian with a first-rate modern concert guitar.

Ibid, W. Turland Hill, Federation News, p. 54

Julian played at a Federation Rally of different fret players. It was expected that he would be well received but the reviewer was not prepared for the "tumultuous" reception he received. He got a huge standing ovation.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
Homage to Segovia by Wilfred M. Appleby
January 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 513, p. 73

Segovia attends a PSG reception at Alliance Hall with classical guitarist and singer Olga Coelho on the 8th of December. Segovia invites Julian to play. After Julian's unscheduled performance is finished, Segovia acknowledges that the young guitarist has great promise.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
October 1946, Vol. XLIV, No. 498, p. 3

Advertisement:

Confirms the date of the Federation Rally as the 26th of  October. It has been noted incorrectly in most books dedicated to Julian Bream.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
A Message from Segovia to PSG by A.P. Sharpe
July 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 519, p. 202

The notice was printed to inform the BMG readership that Segovia has acknowledged Julian Bream's talent and that it was worthy of being nurtured. Julian will need financial assistance and a fund should be set up in his name for the purposes of education. This note was sent to Dr Boris Perott and the rest of the membership at the PSG. It mentions the establishment of the Julian Bream Fund.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
Club Notes by A.P. Sharpe
April 1945, Vol. XLII, No. 480, p 156

Announcement:

The date for the first P.S.G. meeting has been scheduled for April 21, 1945, at 3:00pm at the house of one of the members.

Mrs. Kingsmill-Lunn's house at 38a Holland Park Avenue

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column, section "Our Julian" by Wilfred M. Appleby
August 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 520, p. 216

Julian performed on a BBC radio programme aired on Thursday evening called Nocturne. The show featured fretted instruments and was broadcast over different countries. The radio show happened to be heard by several famous guitarists throughout different countries. Several remarked on how impressed they were with Julian’s playing abilities.

Webmaster's note: The programme helped establish Julian outside of England.

Ibid, By the Way, p. 224

A notice that Julian has been promised solo broadcasts following the success in the Nocturne series.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
May 1949, Vol. XLVI, No. 529, p. 166

The Cultural Society of Brazilian Guitarists in São Paulo, founded by Isaias Savio, sent a letter late last year to Sir Dyson signed by 36 guitarists thanking him for granting Julian Bream a scholarship.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column, Julian Bream by Wilfred M. Appleby
October 1947, Vol. XLV, No. 510, p. 8

A short mention of Julian Bream's performance for radio broadcast - Spanish section for the BBC overseas service on short-wave transmission. A British artist performs Spanish compositions, on a Spanish guitar, to the Spanish nation!

Ibis, Federation News by W. Turland Hill, p. 14

Announcement for "The Concert" for fretted instruments on October 27th at Kensington Town Hall. Julian Bream, "the brilliant
but youthful Spanish guitarist" is scheduled to perform.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
By the Way by A.P. Sharpe
February 1945, Vol. XLII, No. 478, p. 117

Announcement:

"Here is good news for players of the Spanish guitar. The Philharmonic Society of Guitarists is resuming its activities. Full
details will be given in next month 's 'B.M.G.' "

Henry Bream, an avid reader of the B.M.G. magazine, sees the announcement and remembers Wilfrid Appleby's letter from the prior issues mentioning that an association dedicated to Spanish classical guitar called P.S.G. was resuming activity. 

Ibid, Correspondence - Letter by H. Bachell, p. 88

A reader of the BMG writes to the magazine to state his thrill upon listening to Julian perform on the Nocturne program and being appalled to hear the announcer refer to him as a "little shrimp".

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

Club Notes column by A.P. Sharpe

February 1946, Vol. XLIII, No. 490, p. 95

PSG January meeting - the annual party held at Alliance Hall in Westminster. Julian Bream is mentioned as one of the players who performed, as well as Wilfred Appleby and E.W. Fuller among others.

Webmaster's note:

This is the meeting where the influential Appleby finally gets to meet Henry and Julian Bream and is very impressed by Julian's accomplished guitar playing at such a young age.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
May 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 517, p. 162

A very brief mention made that Julian Bream had played guitar for a movie called Saraband for Dead Lovers.

Webmaster's note:

In one short segment in the film, Julian played behind the scenes while an actor in the movie was strumming the guitar.

Ibid, Club Notes, p. 163

Julian Bream performed at the March PSG meeting.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
Correspondence: Letter submitted by Wilfred M. Appleby
January 1945, Vol. XLII, No. 477, p. 98

Wilfrid M. Appleby writes a letter to the editor telling him of his real "guitar holiday" he just spent in Wales with a fellow aficionado of the Spanish classical guitar. His guitarist friend, O. Morton Lawrence invited him to stay at his house in Brecon. They talked about guitars, played classical guitar solos and duets all weekend long and discussed the P.S.G. resuming activity after the war. They both travelled to Sugar Loaf Mountain to visit Miss E. Powell also an accomplished guitarist with 2 fine guitars. Mr. Lawrence advocated the "missionary" spirit for his favourite instruments and Appleby was advocating for the idea of getting together with other Spanish guitarists to play music.

Henry Bream, Julian Bream's father, reads the letter and is intrigued by this "guitar holiday" idea.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column "Swedish Visitor" by Wilfred M. Appleby
October 1949, Vol. XLVII, No. 534, p. 3

"Miss Ewa Sundquist, the secretary of the Swedish Guitar Society (see March "B.M.G.") has been touring the British Isles; cycling through England, Wales, Eire and Scotland. She attended a meeting of the P.S.G. in London-one of the few at which Julian Bream was not present. However, Miss Vollers later arranged for her to meet this brilliant young guitarist and she much enjoyed his playing."

Ibid, The Spanish Guitar "Another Reason" by W. Appleby, p. 6.

Appleby trying to elevate the importance of the Spanish guitar above all other guitars. "The Royal College of Music has permitted Julian Bream to study the guitar there and the Trinity College of Music have appointed Desmond Dupré as their teacher of the guitar. No more need be said on this score!"

Everybody's Magazine

September 1948 (weekly magazine 09-11-48)

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
February 1949, Vol. XLVI, No. 526, p. 102

Appleby mentions that Brazilian guitarists are keenly interested with the progress of the Spanish guitar in Britain and mainly with Julian Bream. It appears they will be sending him guitar music from Brazil.

Appleby announcing the availability of six concert guitar solos edited and fingered by Julian Bream and published by the Clifford Essex Co. He comments on the difficulty of the individual pieces.

1-Francisco Tárrega's "Study in A Major"

2-Napoleon Coste's "Rondo"

3-Francisco Tárrega's "Capricho Arabe"

4-Dionisio Aguado's "Adagio"

5-Fernando Sor's "Minuet in D Major"

6-Fernando Sor's "Minuet in A Major"

Guitar Review

The Chronicle by Gregory d'Alessio
1947, Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 64

A review on Julian Bream's "trial" recital at Cheltenham Public Library, Art Gallery and Museum in the Chinese Porcelain Room in the prestigious New York magazine, Guitar Review. This is the first time that Julian Bream is mentioned in an American publication.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

The Society's News by Byron Davies
July 1945, Vol. XLII, No. 483, p. 202

First time Julian's picture is published within the pages of a magazine dedicated to fretted instruments. A small paragraph mentions his acclaimed technical accomplishments at the age of 11. It states that he also plays the plectrum and Hawaiian guitar.

​JulianBreamGuitar.com

Guitar Review

The Chronicle by Gregory d'Alessio
1948, Vol. 1, No. 7, p.

PSG arranged Julian’s first London debut at Alliance Hall (July 17th). The recital was a huge success. The stage at the Alliance hall was very low and Julian had to sit and play on top of a table that was just wide enough for his chair and footstool. The sound was amplified by using a “contact microphone”. The recital was organized by PSG and the proceeds were to go to the Julian Bream Fund.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

This Month's Cover Portrait by A.P. Sharpe
June 1947, Vol. XLIV, No. 506, p 161

Julian Bream is the cover story of the month with an article written by the editor detailing his brief life and his many accomplishments so far.

     "Some two years ago a very young boy entered the Clifford Essex showrooms and in a voice full of confidence asked to see some " guitar
music ." The salesman asked: "Plectrum guitar music?" and the boy answered: "Well, It's Spanish guitar music I really want, but I know you haven't got any so let me see the plectrum guitar solos and then I can tell whether I can re-arrange them!" That · was my first introduction to a young man I was later to know as Julian Bream; and anyone who has heard him play the Spanish guitar will need no telling that in him this country has an outstanding performer.

     He was born on July 15, 1933, and soon displayed a marked appreciation of music but it was not until he returned home after war evacuation that he was given the opportunity to express himself musically. He first started to play the piano but in his spare moments, he began to play his father's plectrum guitar. Mr. Bream, Senior, encouraged his son and taught him the rudiments of plectrum guitar playing and at eleven years of age young Julian was able to improvise beyond the average. Confidence in public playing was acquired about this time and 'he was heard on many concert platforms playing the electric plectrum guitar. Obtaining a Junior Exhibition Award on the piano, he commenced at the Royal College of Music and Julian said goodbye to "swing" and took up the Spanish guitar on which he has shown such exceptional ability and talent.

     Coupled with his serious music studies at the Royal College was an unswerving application to the guitar and the influence of academical training has been obvious in his renderings of guitar compositions. His first real opportunity to meet other players of the Spanish guitar was at the first post-war meeting of the Philharmonic Society of Guitarists.
Up to this time, Julian was self-taught (assisted by his father's knowledge of guitar playing) but he was now to undergo an intensive period of study under the guidance of Dr. Boris Perott.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

P.S.G. Resumes Activities by A.P. Sharpe
March 1945, Vol. XLII, No. 479, p 127

There is no mention of Julian Bream in this issue. The only reason why this early issue is being included here is because it contained the advert announcing that the London Philharmonic Society for Guitarist (PSG) will be resuming its activities after being temporarily inactive during WWII. The first meeting was scheduled for April 21, 1945.

Webmaster's note:

Henry and Julian were avid readers of the BMG magazine and read the notice in the February and March edition.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column, "A New Sonata" by Wilfred M. Appleby
August 1946, Vol. XLIII, No. 496, p. 203

The announcement that a new composition "Sonata in A" by Terry Usher has been published by the Clifford Essex Music Co.

"a well-known orchestral conductor [was asked to] give his candid opinion of it as music. His verdict was that it was "good, sound music in pure classical style." Usher's "Sonata" is "certainly the most important composition by a British composer since Ernest $hand's " Concerto for Guitar. "

Webmaster's note:

This sonata was dedicated to Julian Bream and while he never recorded the piece, he did play it in his recitals for close to 20 years.  

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
June 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 518, p. 181

Wilfred Appleby discusses Ernest Shand's "Concerto pour Guitare et Quatour, op. 48" and how the concerto has been largely ignored for half a century. Julian Bream, along with Reginald Evans at the piano, played it at Hampton. The review was extremely favourable and Julian was praised for his playing of technically difficult passages in the concerto.

Ibid, Julian Bream by Wilfred M. Appleby
June 1948, p. 182-183

Appleby brings up the problem of financing Julian Bream's education and establishing his career. He feels that it is the responsibility of music lovers in Britain to foster the talents of such a promising musician. Julian is nearly 15 and will be finishing school in a few months. He mentions the Julian Bream Fund and asks that people who love music of all kinds to consider donating to the fund.

Guitar Review

The Chronicle by Gregory d'Alessio
1948, Vol. 1, No. 5, p. 14

"Fourteen-year-old Julian Bream, Britain's young guitar virtuoso, has proved to be the mainstay of programs put on by the PSG. At a meeting on July 12th he played compositions of Tárrega, Fortea, Sor, Clavero, Mertz, Albéniz and Turina". The short article also mentions that several other performers played as well, including Julian's father, Henry Bream

Webmaster's notes:
Mr Appleby stretches the truth considerably when he states in his articles that Julian Bream "goes to the college as a guitarist although he will also study the piano."  In actuality, the guitar was to be considered an extra-curricular activity and it was not meant to interfere with his primary musical education and first instrument, the piano.

Ibid, By the Way, p. ii, 87

This issue also has the first advertisement for the sale of Julian Bream's edited and fingered works by famous composers.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
January 1946, Vol. XLIII, No. 489, p. 95e.

P.S.G. is moving its meetings to Alliance Hall in Westminster.

An announcement that Terry Usher's "Suite for Spanish Guitar" is available for sale.

A brief mention of Julian Bream in an article about the next generation of guitarists. They mention his excellent performance at the last PSG meeting.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
November  1948, Vol. XLVI, No. 523, p. 28

A review of Julian Bream's recital at Witney Social Centre, Oxfordshire. This is the first time that Julian performs a recital that is mainly attended by non-guitarists. His prior recital had been attended mainly by people that were aficionados of the guitar. The recital was a huge success.

Webmaster's note:

Also on p. 28, there is a brief mention of Julian Bream with a portrait being published alongside that of Segovia and Schubert in an article on Segovia in a magazine called Everybody's.

Ibid, Cut the Cackle by A.P. Sharpe, p. 33.

The editor, Sharpe, took offence when the annoucer for the BBC Music in Your Home referred to Julian in a manner not in keeping with the dignity of the music he plays. He introduced Julian by saying "Our little shrimp is going to play...I hope he won't mind me calling him a 'little shrimp'...".

Ibid,  "Nocturne" Poll, p. 35

A poll of the musicians that had appeared on the BBC programme Nocturne. Julian came in third.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
October 1945, Vol. XLIII, No. 486,

p. ii and 14

The announcement that a new composition "Suite for Spanish Guitar" by Terry Usher has been published by the Clifford Essex Music Co.

Webmaster's note:
This sonata was written for Julian Bream on Henry Bream's insistence. Unfortunately, the young Julian Bream had already well passed this level of composition and was already performing pieces significantly more difficult. It does not appear that he ever performed this suite in any of his recitals as a youth.

Guitar Review

The Chronicle by Gregory d'Alessio
1948, Vol. 1, No. 6, p. 22

"Fourteen-year-old Julian Bream, London's outstanding guitarist, and  Pupil of Dr. Boris A. Perott, President of the P.S.G. played compositions of Sor and Ponce" at the most recent P.S.G. meeting.

Magazine articles: 1945 - 1949

This page is dedicated to the magazine articles that have been published in reference to Julian Bream from 1945 to 1949. Many of these were cover stories where Julian Bream was not just the topic of one of the articles included but his picture was on the cover as well. I have tried to include a few lines in reference to the main focus of the article where ever possible.  If the full or partial article is available online, a link will be provided. BMG magazine was very instrumental in establishing Julian Bream's popularity as a guitar player during his childhood, therefore, nearly every magazine issue is included no matter how minute the mention may be. Later on, when he is a famous adult professional guitarist, only the magazines that have an article where he is the main focus have been included. Julian Bream is mentioned in passing in nearly every classical guitar magazine published since the 1960s.  Andrés Segovia is likely the only guitarist that is mentioned more frequently than Bream in non-Bream related classical guitar articles. 

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
Notes and Comments editorial column by A. P. Sharpe
September 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 521, p. 229

The editor of BMG commented on the reviews written by The Times and TheDaily Mail. They both wrote a very favourable review of Julian Bream at the Alliance Hall recital but criticized the small hall selected and the poor advertising. PSG had organized the event.

Ibid, The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby, p. 237

Appleby praises Julian Bream's recital at the Alliance Hall and mentions that The Daily Mail headed its report with "Boy Guitarist is Brilliant". The article mentions the Julian Bream Fund established by the PSG.

Ibid, The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby, p. 238

"Mrs Louie Nellie Shand, widow of Ernest Shand, passed away at her home in Sutton Coldfield on July 14. In spite of her illness, she took a keen interest in Julian Bream's recital of her husband's "Concerto"."

Guitar Review

The Chronicle by Gregory d'Alessio
1949, Vol. 1, No. 8, p. 49-50

An announcement that Julian has been accepted to the Royal College of Music where he will become a student at the college but with the purpose of studying composition and the piano as his first instrument. Julian can continue to play the guitar as long as it does not interfere with his studies.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column "B.B.C. Broadcast" by Wilfred M. Appleby
August 1949, Vol. XLVI, No. 532, p. 236

A review of Julian's performance on radio broadcast for the BBC Third Programme. An English version of Lorca's "Blood Wedding", the music written by Eduardo M. Tomer. Bream plays with Desmond Dupré.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
By the Way by A.P. Sharpe
December 1947, Vol. XLV, No. 512, p. 54

Announcement:

"Julian Bream will give a recital at Cheltenham Art Gallery on Jan. 5th. From Dec. 20th to Jan. 6th a display of portraits of famous guitarists will be on view in the Gallery. Admission is free."

"Julian Bream is often featured in the B.B.C. European Service in the Spanish programmes. Unfortunately, we never hear of these broadcasts in time to let readers know."

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby

February 1947, Vol. XLIV, No. 502, p. 87

This issue contains an article on the importance of formal education for the Spanish classical guitar in musical institutions in Britain.  The last half of the article focuses on Julian’s brilliant performance at his "trial" recital. The recital was for a specially invited audience at the Cheltenham Public Library, Art Gallery and Museum in the Chinese Porcelain Room. The Curator invites Julian to play a public concert at the art gallery on February 17 at 3:00 pm. "If Tarrega could have
heard this London-born guitarist I am sure he would have revised his
opinion of 'a guitar in the hands of an Englishman.' "

Ibid, Terry Usher's "Sonata in A" by Jack Duarte, p. 83.

This article discusses Terry Usher's newest composition in depth.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)

Notes and Comments by A.P. Sharpe
March 1949, Vol. XLVI, No. 527, p. 117

In an article about tolerance of all fretted instruments. It stated that only small-minded classical guitar players would ever look down on other forms of guitar playing. It was mentioned that many classical guitar players start out playing other styles of guitar music, Julian Bream was a case in point. 

Clifford Essex Co. significantly increases the advertisement size for the edited and fingered Julian Bream concert guitar solos.

*

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
Julian Bream at Cheltenham by Alfred M. Appleby
February 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 514, p. 89-90

Julian is a guest artist with Arthur Cole’s Cheltenham Spa Palm Court Orchestra at the Town Hall. The performance is reviewed very favourably. The article then reviews Julian's second recital the next day at the Cheltenham Art Gallery. The recital is a huge success and Appleby also comments on how Julian plays for over an hour at an informal gathering immediately following the recital and he does not even appear to be tired.

Webmaster's note:

Appleby incorrectly states the day of the Town Hall concert as January 3rd when it was actually the 4th.

Ibid, The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
February 1948, p. 87

A very favourable Andrés Segovia concert review.  Segovia plays Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Concerto in D. Op. 99 for guitar and orchestra with the New London Orchestra and Alec Sherman conducting at the Cambridge Theater in London on the 7th of December.

The article also mentions an exhibition of guitarists' portraits at Cheltenham Art Gallery.

Webmaster's notes:

This is the concert that young Julian Bream attended with his father. In numerous interviews throughout his career, Bream has mentioned the importance of this experience for him as a child seeing Segovia perform and wanting to play the classical guitar professionally himself.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
This Month's Cover Portrait by A.P. Sharpe
April 1948, Vol. XLV, No. 516, p 131

Dr Boris Perott is the cover story of the month with an article written by the editor detailing his life and his contributions to the guitar. It mentions that Julian Bream has been his most outstanding student along with Alexis Chesnakoff.

All BMG articles are available for your reading pleasure at the Classic Banjo site.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column by Wilfred M. Appleby
January  1949, Vol. XLVI, No. 525, p. 78

An announcement that Julian has been granted a scholarship to the Royal College of Music. A quick summary of how Julian's interview came to be and the outcome. Julian can continue to play the guitar as long as it does not interfere with his studies.

BMG (Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar)
The Spanish Guitar column, Guitar Recital by Wilfred M. Appleby
April 1947, Vol. XLIV, No. 504, p. 124

This issue contains an article on the large number of guitar makers currently building Spanish classical guitars.  The last half of the article focuses on Julian’s brilliant performance at his first formal public recital. The recital was at the Cheltenham Public Library, Art Gallery and Museum. He premiered the "Sonata in A" by Terry Usher.

Ibid, The Spanish Guitar column, The Guitar in Holland, p. 125

Appleby mentions that Ries de Hilster from Holland has recently composed and dedicated a prelude to Julian Bream. A bio of Hilster is the main focus of the article.

BROADENING INFLUENCE
     "The experience of the Carcassi school and the understanding of its implications has had a broadening influence on Julian's comprehension of the guitar's beauty and capabilities. Over recent months young Julian Bream has appeared at many private engagements and was featured in a children's hour broadcast. The Cheltenham Guitar Circle arranged for him to give a semi-private recital which was so successful that he was invited to re-visit Cheltenham for a public recital. Julian's playing held the audiences spellbound and he received a good "press."
     Coupled with a prodigious memory (he can play dozens of difficult concert pieces without the aid of the printed page) he has the ability to read musical scores fluently and this has enabled him to become familiar with the works of the masters of guitar composition. His programmes always show a variety and range which can hardly be excelled. Already, famous Continental guitarists have written compositions which they have dedicated to this wonder boy guitarist and I honestly believe that young Julian Bream will carry the standard of Spanish guitar playing higher than it has ever been carried before by a player of British birth."

Ibid, By the Way by A.P. Sharpe p. 174
"Julian Bream gave a two hours recital on the Spanish guitar at the Colonial Hostel, Earls Court, on May 4. His performance, which included Terry Usher's "Sonata in A," "Fandanguillo," etc., was enthusiastically received."