Son Fantástico as interpreted by Robert Nathanson on his newly released CD, truly embodies what I love
so much about the guitar. The music I compose for guitar, unlike many instruments and ensembles,
resides firmly in an imagined world. This universe of sound "is a miniature orchestra in itself"
(Beethoven) where timbres and rhythm are fantastic and lyrical. And like all stringed instruments, the
notes are most alive at the moment of execution. A single note on the guitar, when struck, immediately
ripples in our ears and when passionately strummed, stirs up a sensuous urge for movement in a world
where we, the listeners, "are a dream, an unfinished song". (Neruda) The 6/8 and 3/4 rhythms in the
piece are characteristic of the "son" a category of Mexican folk music and dance. "Son" literally means
"sound" in Spanish and I want to thank Rob for introducing me to this genre as it fit well with my
predilection for brilliant sonorities that cascade over driving rhythms. Finally, I want to acknowledge his
meticulous fingering and editing that will assist in the execution and interpretation of the piece.ntástico as interpreted by Robert Nathanson on his newly released CD, truly embodies what I love
so much about the guitar. The music I compose for guitar, unlike many instruments and ensembles,
resides firmly in an imagined world. This universe of sound "is a miniature orchestra in itself"
(Beethoven) where timbres and rhythm are fantastic and lyrical. And like all stringed instruments, the
notes are most alive at the moment of execution. A single note on the guitar, when struck, immediately
ripples in our ears and when passionately strummed, stirs up a sensuous urge for movement in a world
where we, the listeners, "are a dream, an unfinished song". (Neruda) The 6/8 and 3/4 rhythms in the
piece are characteristic of the "son" a category of Mexican folk music and dance. "Son" literally means
"sound" in Spanish and I want to thank Rob for introducing me to this genre as it fit well with my
predilection for brilliant sonorities that cascade over driving rhythms. Finally, I want to acknowledge his
meticulous fingering and editing that will assist in the execution and interpretation of the piece. robertnathanson.com williamneil.net. thecomposerstudio.com