Mystic transport to a moonlit pond
Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 07/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Duo En is Elizabeth Falconer and her husband John. They met and fell in love over the beauties of Japanese music. Elizabeth plays the koto, a stringed instrument that is plucked rather like a zither, and John the bamboo flute (shakuhachi.) Neither instrument is simple to play and each takes years to master. The combination is as elemental as moonlight on shimmering water, and this CD captures that effect perfectly.
Two great favorites of mine are on this album. "Moon over Castle Ruins" is one I really love. I used to play it myself on the transverse (Western) flute and it's been recorded by luminaries such as Jean-Pierre Rampal. I was thrilled to find it, along with Sakura (the Japanese anthem of cherry blossoms, those transitory flowers that represent the fleeting joys of life.)
If you buy one album of Japanese music to start your journey into this wonderful medium, I'd recommend this one. Koto and Shakuhachi are beautiful together, these are classic and wonderful songs, and En Duo will transport you to a mystic place in your mind's eye.
"
Heartfelt and elegant....
Purple Iris | seattle, wa, usa | 09/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is hard to pick which piece I like best...the whole CD is seamless, moving from moment to moment with spacious, open melodies that are perfect for quiet meditation or meditation-like atmosphere, to relax you when you have to take care of other parts of life, such as doing the dishes. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for music that can help heal the soul, who just wants to step away from the hurried life and refresh their spirit."
Enchanting
Jennifer Shontz | Seattle, WA USA | 06/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This atmospheric CD is both haunting and enchanting, like the full moon in a velvet black sky. Of special note are the compositions by Falconer/Falconer; the sound of shakuhachi and koto weave together to make magic."