Jesus Bello Sin Nombre for solo guitar duration: 4 minutes   Sin Nombre ("Nameless") I wrote it inspired on the San Juan drumbeats and chants, an Afro-Venezuelan music tradition. My aim was simply to create original music, combining serialism and Afro-Venezuelan drumming through a classical guitar performer. I developed it around two main melodies, one of which is a quotation from a popular chant. In this piece I intended to recreate some polyrhythmic drum patterns and percussion effects, including techniques such as foot tapping - borrowed from flamenco style guitar - or to scratch finger nails on the bass strings a la "guiro". I also included some techniques from electric guitar players, such as two-hand tapping. The process of writing "Sin Nombre" took me into an intimate relationship with the instrument. From a commander I became a comrade, my body "served" the music. I started thinking of the guitarist as more than a guitar player (for example, also as a foot tapper). I think the performers will love this piece. I hope this composition will transmit my respect and thanks for the Afro-Venezuelan music traditions to the audience. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 1971, Jesus Bello started a BSc in Computer Science at Universidad Nueva Esparta in Caracas in 1989. In 1991 started his first music lessons with Juan Angel Esquivel, his electric guitar teacher for about a year. In 1995, by the time he finished his computer degree, he took Music Harmony lessons with master teacher Gerry Weil. His professional experiences included freelance music production for short films, working for Etcetera C.A. as a sound effects designer for films and TV programs, and also as a Stage Manager for Ateneo de Caracas, a major national performing arts venue. In 1998 came to London for a MSc in Music Information Technology at City University, and in 1999 started a PhD in Music Composition at University of Salford in Manchester, which is currently undertaking. As a composer, he is highly concerned with rhythm, finding the Afro-Venezuelan music tradition as a valuable source of inspiration and experimentation, while fusing them with other genres of music. Back to shortlist.