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Description
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Senku: a Fanti (Ghana) term for a keyboard instrument

The composers show an influence of both African and Western cultures. The African elements may manifest themselves on a melodic, harmonic and rhythmic level, whereas the structure of the work may be more easily identified as Western. On the other hand, composers may use 20th century Western compositional techniques with the general musical aesthetic being African. The melodic, harmonic and percussive qualities of the piano make it the perfect vehicle for the expression of this inter-cultural music.

More information on composers and musicians of African descent can be found at Africlassical.com

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Joshua Uzoigwe (NIGERIA) (1946-2005)
Talking Drums
1 Ukom
(6:49)
2 Ilulu
(2:45)
3 Egwu Amala
(5:22)

Oswald Russell (JAMAICA) (1939-2012)
Three Jamaican Dances
4 No. 1
(1:02)
5 No. 2
(2:27)
6 No. 3
(1:56)

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (USA) (1932-2004)
7 Scherzo (9:42)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (ENGLAND) (1875-1912)
8 Deep River (6:20)
from 24 Negro Melodies Op. 59 no. 10

Margaret Bonds (USA) (1913-1972)
9 Troubled Water (4:52)

Gamal Abdel-Rahim (EGYPT) (1924-1988)

10 Variations on
an Egyptian Folksong
(6:21)

Robert Nathaniel Dett (USA)
(1882-1943)

"In The Bottoms" Suite
11 Prelude: Night
(4:25)
12 His Song
(3:02)
13 Honey: Humoresque
(1:29)
14 Barcarolle: Morning
(5:00)
15 Dance: Juba (2:16)

Gyimah Labi (GHANA) (1950-)
16 Earthbeats Op. 22 (9:29)
From Six Dialects in African Pianism

More information on composers and musicians of African descent can be found at Africlassical.com

"...played with superior expressivity, rhythmic vivacity and kaleidoscopic shading...the humanity of the music and Nyaho's gripping performances kept my ears glued to this disc…….The humanity of the music and Nyaho's gripping performances kept my ears glued to this disc. Let's hope the pianist continues to explore — and record — more such commanding repertoire."

Gramophone Magazine, March 2004

“I could not agree more that there is much wonderful music to be discovered here, and that William Chapman Nyaho plays it all with beauty of tone and consummate artistry….”

Fanfare Magazine May/June 2004

"This altogether enthralling recital of keyboard works in many styles reveals that this music deserves a regular place on concert programs. The composers - from Nigeria, Jamaica, England, Egypt, Ghana and the United States - are masterful creators who embrace European, American and African idioms. Nyaho plays each score with sensitive, bold artistry."

—Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2004 (naming Senku one of the best classical music recordings of the year)