El libro de arena is inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ short story of the same name. In it, the narrator (representing Borges himself) buys a book written in an unknown language that, like sand, has no beginning nor end. Being infinite, no page can be revisited again once the page has been turned. The narrator becomes obsessed by it and soon realizes it is monstrous, and finally gets rid of it by hiding it in the National Library (where Borges briefly worked). Self-reference is a very recurring concept in Borges works. My piece also uses it at different levels. Self-referential, self-containing melodies and rhythms abound the piece. Its form also reflects itself, and, like in Borges’ story, the beginning matches its end.
