Figures de sable

Firstly, at last, we have a score which is superbly annotated, leaving the performed in no doubt as to the composer's intentions. This score builds into a substantial, virtuosic work. The five pages of music belie the fact that this is a real tour de force. On a practical level, the fifth string being re-tuned to A flat gives a real sense of being in a new sound scape. A glance at the score quickly indicates the amount of work involved with learning this piece. But then as you try the notes it becomes obvious how well this music is laid out on the instrument; yes there are unusual chord shapes but they soon become quite natural to play; yes, the rhythm needs carefully working out, but the quality of the writing soon starts to bring the piece together, far more quickly than one would ever imagine. This is a really exciting publication and well worth investigating if you feel confident in your technical and musical ability to do justice to such a work. John Arran (Classical Guitar Magazine)