Available for download, streaming and on 180 gram vinyl, "The Book of Imaginary Beings - The Music of Leo Brouwer for Two Guitars" features a new work by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer performed by Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo. "The Book of Imaginary Beings, commissioned by the Raritan River Festival, is a 4 movement work based on characters described in Jorge Luis Borges' "The Book of Imaginary Beings". Also included are two arrangements by Brouwer from "Beatlerianas", featuring Beatles songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and a work entitled "Musica Incidental Campsina", where Brouwer mixes Cuban folk songs with compositional elements of modern composers like Stravinsky.
The LP release features several deluxe elements:
- an official world premiere release card, autographed by Leo Brouwer
- four color folding booklet/poster featuring chapters from "The Book of Imaginary Beings"
- "Gatefold" LP packaging (normally used for double LP sets), with inside panels featuring illustrations and extended notes by Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo, including the history of the "Imaginary Beings" commission
- pressed on 180 gram vinyl for best sound reproduction
THE BOOK OF IMAGINARY BEINGS (EL LIBRO DE LOS SERES IMAGINARIOS) - The Music of Leo Brouwer for Two Guitars
THE NEWMAN & OLTMAN GUITAR DUO
TRACK LISTING
Beatlerianas
I. Fool on the Hill (arr. for two guitars by Leo Brouwer) 04:00
II. She's Leaving Home (arr. for two guitars by Leo Brouwer) 03:55
Música Incidental Campesina
I. Preludio 00:56
II. Interludio 00:59
III. Danza 01:02
IV. Final 01:11
El Libro de los Seres Imaginarios (The Book of Imaginary Beings)
I. El Unicornio (The Unicorn) 03:14
II. El Minotauro (The Minotaur) 02:53
III. Hadas y Gnomos (Fairies and Gnomes) 03:57
IV. La Gorgona y la Mantícora (The Gorgon and The Manticore) 05:43