UYMP University of York Music Press

BBC Music gives excellent review of Paredes’ Zuhuy Kak recording by de Saram

16 January 2020

Hilda Paredes’ work for solo cello Zuhuy Kak, performed by the legendary Rohan de Saram has been released on 15th November 2019 on the CD 20th Century British Works for Solo Cello on First Hand Records (FHR045).  The CD has received an excellent review by BBC Music Magazine (November 2019).  Helen Wallace writes: 'Saram, former cellist of the Arditti Quartet and a tireless adventurer in new music, marks his 80th birthday with a very personal collection, almost a musical ‘This is Your Life’.  Each of the works was written for him by composer friends and colleagues over his six-decade-long career. 

'His is a distinctive legacy, with several works referencing his Sri Lankan heritage as well as exploiting his fearless technique.'  Of Zuhuy Kak, Wallace enthuses: 'Hilda Paredes’ pungent, tightly-focused essay Zuhuy Kak incorporates Khandyan drumming patterns from the ‘Elephant Vannam’, a Sri Lankan entertainment.  De Saram, a longtime exponent of the Khandyan drum, delights in its expressively dragged pizzicato and ghostly cantilenas..... .’  Other works on the recording are by James Dillon, Richard Drakeford, David Matthews and John Mayer The complete review may be read at PressReader and the CD purchased from First Hand Records, Amazon, Presto Music and other outlets.

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