Release Date: 28 April 2017
Label: Prima Facie
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 0607128998792
Genres: Classical Contemporary Classical
Description
The South African-born pianist Renée Reznek is releasing her recording of new South African piano music on the Prima Facie label. Many of these pieces have been composed for Renée who specialises in twentieth century and new music. With the exception of Peter Klatzow's Barcarolle, these works are recorded here for the first time.
Speaking of the album, Renée Reznek said: "Recording this album has given me a wonderful way to reconnect with the country I grew up in. I am so grateful to these distinguished composers for their fantastic music which reflects the rich, diverse culture of South Africa."
The majority of the pieces combine traditional South African music with contemporary Western European techniques. This is true of PMB Impromptu, composed for Renée by internationally renowned composer Kevin Volans who like Renée grew up in Pietermaritzburg or PMB. Both Michael Blake's Broken Line , composed for Renée, and Robert Fokkens' Five Miniatures were inspired by Xhosa bow music. Similarly Hendrik Hofmeyr's Partita Africana and David Kosviner's Mbira Melody, also written for Renée, are sourced from local music traditions.
Neo Muyanga's Hade Tata, a tribute to Nelson Mandela, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first democratic elections in SA. Muyanga combines Nguni melodies with township jazz and struggle songs. Other pieces by David Earl and Peter Klatzow show a more European influence.
Tracklisting
Xuefei Yang, Johannes Moser, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Or
Kenneth Hamilton
Michael Cretu
Laura Serra
Vladimir Miller, Neil Latchman, Keri Farish
Terence Charlston, Julian Perkins
John Turner & Neil Smith
I Solisti Di Londra & Aleksander Szram
Sadie Harrison, Ian Pace, Renee Reznek, Duncan Honeybourne & Pippa Harrison
