John Blair Waldo Classical Guitarist
Passionate musician skilled in creating unforgettable moments through music
John Blair Waldo Classical Guitarist
Passionate musician skilled in creating unforgettable moments through music
For Immediate Release · May 15, 2026 Masterworks Reimagined
Masterworks Reimagined – Guitar, Violin & Guests
For Immediate Release · May 15, 2026
Masterworks Reimagined – Guitar, Violin & Guests
John Blair Waldo
This is a historic first* — Bach's Prelude from Partita BWV 1006 performed with guitar and violin in unison. A bold reimagining of masterworks for guitar, violin, cello, and organ, blending historical reverence with modern intimacy.
Masterworks Reimagined – Guitar, Violin & Guests is a collection of intimate, modern chamber re‑imaginings shaped with clarity, warmth, and a deep respect for the original scores. The program spans Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Tárrega, and Handel, alongside an original work, Destiny. The instrumentation — from violin and guitar to voice, cello, positive organ, and organ pedal — creates a fresh palette that highlights the emotional core of each piece. The album explores how familiar masterpieces transform when voiced through guitar, violin, voice, cello, and organ colors. Each arrangement by John Blair Waldo reveals new counter‑lines, textures, and expressive possibilities, offering a fresh perspective on timeless repertoire while preserving the emotional core that has made these works endure. The result is a program that feels both historically grounded and quietly innovative, inviting listeners into a space of reflection, lyricism, and intimate musical dialogue.
* "No publicly indexed recording shows the Prelude, BWV 1006 performed by violin and guitar in unison."
- Copilot AI 5/2/2026
John Blair Waldo Classical Guitarist
Based in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, John Waldo is an experienced professional who has performed for scores of concerts and events. His performances have been called "exquisite" "sublime," "fabulous," and "impeccable."
John Waldo has performed with the Springfield Symphony on Public Radio of the Ozarks, as soloist with the Stanton Strings of Springfield, Missouri, and the Trinity Recorder Consort of Madison, Wisconsin. He has made multiple appearances on network-affiliated television and performed live "In the Spotlight" on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Waldo's collaborative recording, Positively Beautiful — positive organ and classical guitar, has been broadcast on classical music stations throughout North America. He is a member of the Grammy Academy® and the Guitar Foundation of America. He studied with Peter Lingen, and Javier Calderon while earning his MBA at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Waldo draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, from Andres Segovia, to Sharon Isbin and David Russell.
Press & Reviews
"Mr. Waldo's musical performance was technically perfect and created an aura of peace and tranquility throughout our audience."— Nature and the Arts series, Springfield Conservation Nature Center
"A delightful recording of rare tone colors and repertoire…"— ClassiQuest
"I do love your CD & we are featuring it…, very easy to listen to…, it rewards careful listening very well."— WQUB Radio, Quincy, Illinois
My Creative Process
My music is a reflection of my life experiences and emotions. I am constantly experimenting with new arrangements and compositions, and I let my intuition guide me when it comes to artistic expression. I believe that the best music comes from the heart.
Waldo performs for concert series, services of worship, private events, memorials, and community programs throughout the Upper Midwest. His repertoire spans classical masterworks, sacred music, and original compositions.
Past venues include the Wisconsin Public Radio, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Springfield Symphony collaborations, and dozens of recitals and community events.
MASTERWORKS Reimagined - Featured Artists
Julia Waldo Smolin - Violin & Voice
Julia Waldo Smolin performs extensively in multiple genres. A classical violinist, she has been featured symphonically with not only violin, but with voice as well. She performs with an orchestra in San Francisco and appears regularly at Caffe Trieste with the popular ensemble Elixyr. Julia is the sister of John Blair Waldo and is featured with both violin and voice on Masterworks Reimagined.
Mark Roark Chartier - Positive Organ
Mark Roark Chartier has been a frequent collaborator with John Blair Waldo. Their landmark release, Positively Beautiful with guitar and positive organ showcases Chartier's mastery of not only performance and composition, but he also literally built the Positive Organ featured on the release. Waldo and Chartier feature here a remastering of their bestselling Pathétique, by Beethoven.
Catherine Moilanen - Cello
Catherine Moilanen - Cello
Catherine Moilanen is a versatile orchestral performer and teaches stringed instruments in her active teaching studio. She is not only a string player, but a worship music director and accompanist as well. She is also featured with cello on John Blair Waldo's album of his guitar originals, Suite Gentle Memories.
Catherine performs here on cello with works by Bach and Handel.
For Immediate Release · May 15, 2026 Masterworks Reimagined
- Release Date - May 15 2026
- Label - BLAIR WORKS
- Formats - Digital - CD - USB A&C
- Pro - ASCAP
MASTERWORKS Reimagined — Guitar, Violin & Guests
This album brings together intimate chamber textures, lyrical guitar writing, and expressive collaborations to reimagine beloved masterworks through a luminous, transformative lens. Each arrangement is crafted to honor the original score while revealing new colors, counter‑lines, and instrumental dialogues.
The program spans Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Tárrega, and Handel, alongside Waldo's original work, Destiny. The instrumentation — from violin and guitar to voice, cello, positive organ, and organ pedal — creates a fresh palette that highlights the emotional core of each piece.
(Arrangements by John Blair Waldo, unless otherwise noted.)
1. Prelude, BWV 1006 (Arr. Violin & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] — J.S. Bach 6:06
John Blair Waldo
This is a historic first — Bach's Prelude from Partita BWV 1006 performed by guitar and violin in unison. "No publicly indexed recording shows the Prelude, BWV 1006 performed by violin and guitar in unison". (Copilot AI, 5/2/2026) A bold reimagining of masterworks for guitar, violin, cello, and organ, blending historical reverence with modern intimacy.
2. Funeral March for the Death of a Hero (Arr. Voice & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] Beethoven
Beethoven’s rarely heard miniature becomes a poignant dialogue between voice and guitar. The vocal obbligato line adds expressive weight, allowing the music’s solemn dignity to unfold with exquisite grandeur.
3.Moonlight, Piano Sonata No. 14 (Arr. Guitar & Organ Pedal) — Ludwig van Beethoven 6:23
Arranged after Bariero, this version for guitar and organ pedal expands the harmonic resonance of the original. The organ pedal provides a sustained foundation that deepens the nocturnal atmosphere of Beethoven’s opening movement.
4. Pathétique, Piano Sonata No. 8 (Arr. Guitar & Positive Organ) [feat. Mark Roark Chartier] — Ludwi
The pairing of guitar and positive organ here creates a striking contrast between articulation and sustain. This arrangement highlights the dramatic gestures and rhetorical phrasing that define Beethoven’s early style. This is a remastering from Positively Beautiful, by Chartier and Waldo.
5. Ode to Joy, Symphony No. 9 IV (Arr. Waldo) — Ludwig van Beethoven 3:21
A familiar melody becomes intimate and lyrical in this guitar setting. Stripped of orchestral weight, the theme’s simplicity and optimism come forward with renewed clarity.
6. Ave Maria, D. 839 (Arr. Violin & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] — Franz Schubert 4:23
This arrangement for violin and guitar emphasizes the vocal quality of Schubert’s melodic writing. The guitar provides a gentle harmonic cushion, allowing the violin line to unfold with expressive warmth.
7. Ave Maria, BWV 846 (Arr. Violin & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] (Bach–Gounod) 3:00
Balancing Baroque structure with Romantic lyricism, this version for violin and guitar highlights the flowing, cantabile nature of Gounod’s adaptation over Bach’s harmonic foundation.
8. Air on the G String (Arr. Violin & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] — J.S. Bach 3:06
A serene and spacious interpretation for violin and guitar. The sustained violin line floats above the guitar’s gentle harmonic motion, creating a meditative atmosphere.
9. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (Arr. Violin, Cello & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin & Catherine Mo
This trio for cello, violin, and guitar brings warmth and depth to Bach’s chorale. The guitar anchors the melody while the violin and cello weave expressive inner lines.
10. Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring (Arr. Voice & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] — J.S. Bach 3:04
As a vocal‑guitar arrangement that preserves the rhythmic lift and spiritual brightness of the original, the guitar’s arpeggiated texture and the harmony of the positive organ support the flowing vocal line, bringing to resolution the first ten offerings of the collection.
Masterworks Reimagined Continued..,
- Release Date - May 15 2026
- Label - BLAIR WORKS
- Formats - Digital - CD - USB A&C
- Pro - ASCAP
MASTERWORKS Reimagined — Continued...,
Masterworks Reimagined – Guitar, Violin & Guests continues with the addition of a collection of intimate, originals for guitar and modern chamber re‑imaginings shaped with clarity, warmth, and a deep respect for the original scores. These works compliment a program that feels both historically grounded and quietly innovative, inviting listeners into a space of reflection, lyricism, and intimate musical dialogue.
11. Lágrima — Francisco Tárrega 2:10
A reflective miniature for solo guitar, played with intimacy and expressive restraint. Its simplicity is its strength.
12. Adelita — Francisco Tárrega 2:03
A gentle, lyrical gem from the Romantic guitar repertoire, shaped with subtle rubato and warm tone.
13. Etude in E Minor — Francisco Tárrega 1:24
A study in tone, phrasing, and right‑hand balance. This etude highlights the guitar’s natural singing quality.
14. Destiny — John Blair Waldo 4:09
An original work exploring reflective harmony and melodic clarity. The piece sits comfortably alongside the classics while offering a personal, contemporary voice.
15. Für Elise (Arr. Waldo After Dolata) — Beethoven 3:13
Arranged by Waldo after Dolata, this version brings transparency and delicacy to Beethoven’s iconic theme, allowing the familiar melody to speak with renewed intimacy.
16. Allemande (Suite in G Major) — Handel 1:51
A poised and elegant transcription for guitar, capturing the dance character and refined ornamentation of Handel’s writing.
17. Gavotte in G Major — Handel 1:44
Bright and articulate, this guitar setting highlights the rhythmic charm and buoyant phrasing of Handel’s original.
18. La Paix (Music for the Royal Fireworks) (Arr. Cello & Guitar) [feat. Catherine Moilanen] — Hande
A warm, lyrical duet for cello and guitar. The combination emphasizes the movement’s pastoral serenity and gentle harmonic flow.
19. Hornpipe (Water Music Suite No. 2) — Handel 5:48
A spirited guitar transcription that preserves the rhythmic vitality and celebratory character of Handel’s orchestral movement.
20. Ombra Mai Fu (Xerxes) (Arr. Violin & Guitar) [feat. Julia Waldo Smolin] — Handel
Concluding the program is a tender arrangement for violin and guitar, highlighting the aria’s expressive simplicity and exemplifying the timeless beauty of MASTERWORKS Reimagined - Guitar, Violin & Guests.
Full Album: MASTERWORKS Reimagined — Guitar, Violin & Guests
Suite Gentle Memories – Original Works for Classical Guitar
Suite Gentle Memories – Original Works for Classical Guitar
A collection of original pieces shaped around memory, loss, and renewal. The guitar and cello weave a quiet dialogue, offering moments of reflection and gentle emotional insight. Each piece guides a progression from loss and sorrow in the discovery gentle memories of joy and gratitude.
Through the Lens: A Musical Journey with John Waldo Classical Guitarist
Relaxation Renditions — Multi-Album
A USB Collector's Edition
Companion Release
Late May / Early June 2026
Relaxation Renditions — Multi-Album
USB-A & C Collector's Edition
A premium collector's USB companion release. Pre-order details and drop date to be announced in May 2026.
A Legacy of Music by John Blair Waldo
