Renee Reznek - From My Beloved Country - New South African Piano Music

The South African-born pianist Ren�e Reznek is releasing her recording of new South African piano music on the Prima Facie label. Many of these pieces have been composed for Ren�e 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, Ren�e 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 Ren�e by internationally renowned composer Kevin Volans who like Ren�e grew up in Pietermaritzburg or PMB. Both Michael Blake's Broken Line , composed for Ren�e, 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 Ren�e, 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.