“Oceans for Eros” is a collection of works for classical guitar with orchestra composed by Robin Katz, with orchestral arrangements by Guy Barker OBE. A fulsome exercise in unrestrained romanticism, the collection documents a transition from art to music for Katz – a former dealer of fine art turned artist.

Much of the album represents the first grains of hope born out of the emergence from the global pandemic, and the track titles offer a window into the key themes behind the inspiration for this project. Mediterranean island landscapes meet poetic romanticism alongside themes of light and darkness.

Katz channels Jazz, Folk and Classical influences in the language of his compositions. The album bears the fruit of a first-time collaboration with Guy Barker. Guitar parts written as études with orchestral arrangements by Barker tailored to the textures and melodies of the guitar.

Collectively, Katz and Barker produce a grandiose, large-scale emotive sound picture, masterfully balancing the intricacies of a nylon string guitar against the colours of the orchestra. The end product offers a dynamic sonic palette with tinges of the symphony hall or film scoring stage, whilst maintaining the compositions’ nostalgic charm.