Pärt, Reich & Davies (H): Cantus

Kuniko's debut ‘Kuniko plays Reich' was acclaimed by the media becoming Linn's bestselling album of 2011. Her follow up recording, 'Cantus', features six pieces arranged for five octave marimba or vibraphone, each chosen to fully demonstrate the colours, depth and dynamics of the instrument. The arrangements and recording have been made with supervision by the original composers: Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich and Hywel Davies.

Kuniko gave the world premiere performance of the marimba version of Reich's New York Counterpoint in New York in 2012, winning praise from the composer himself: 'Kuniko Kato is a first rate percussionist'.

The simplicity and beauty of Arvo Pärt's music has won the composer many fans. In turn Pärt is a fan of Kuniko's arrangements having approved the new versions premiered on this album. Kuniko has arranged four of his best-loved pieces including Cantus, a fitting tribute to Benjamin Britten in 2013, his 100th anniversary year.

Purl Ground is an original piece written by British composer Hywel Davies, which Kuniko premiered at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011 to critical acclaim. The piece is arranged for solo marimba and makes excellent use of both tremolo and pianissimo effects.

A 24-bit 192 kHz studio master for this album is available from the Linn Records website.

CKD432  51 minutes 40 seconds
'The art of transcription flourishes in these imaginiative reworkings of classics by Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich in the hands of a master marimba player. Kuniko adds percussion and makes her own arrange ...
Classical Ear
AllMusic, USA