From My Beloved Country

By Renee Reznek

Item Number: NX.PFCD055

The South African-born pianist Renee Reznek is releasing an album of new South African piano music. Many of the pieces here have been composed for Renee, who has always been passionate about playing twentieth century and new music. The composers represented here are amongst the most celebrated from South Africa though Renee is quick to point out that there is a wealth of creative talent in her ""beloved country"" which could not be included in one single album. Neo Muyanga was commissioned by Renee in 2013 to write a piece as tribute to Nelson Mandela and Hade Tata was created. One of the most familiar names on this album is composer Kevin Volans. Kevin composed PMB Impromptu for Renee. Both Michael Blake's Broken Line and Robert Fokkens' Five Miniatures are inspired by Xhosa bow music, combining Western European techniques with African motives and rhythms. The other works on this album illustrate a different cultural inheritance.