John Williams in Philadelphia

Just heard the dazzling Australian guitarist John Williams at the Perelman Theater (the small theater in the Kimmel Center,) presented by the admirably serious-minded Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Looking remarkably fit and trim for 68, he stepped onto the light-filled contemporary stage in a zip-front black tunic and black pants, sat down on a piano bench with a footstool and microphone in front of him, and two speakers behind him, and proceeded to dispatch a J.S. Bach transcription of a Vivaldi harspichord concerto with speed, elegance, and a purity of approach that transmitted the scope of all three movements with masterful unity. Equally brilliant was his rendition of Albeniz' Torre Bermeja. He spoke easily from the stage and never left it the entire first half, but it was his body language (calm, shoulders relaxed) and attitude (no lingering over emotional high points, no contortions over sentiment) that made his performance satisfying. Although my seat partner did not care to listen to his arrangements of movie tunes on the second half of the program, this pairing of the classical with world music and pop culture has become a hallmark of Williams' programs. His fleet, perfectly synchronized fingerwork and clear-headed approach make it all work, somehow.