DUO EN: Reviews

DRAMATIC JAPANESE MASTERPIECES
REVIEW FOR SPELL OF SPRING!
This album is a remarkable listening experience. Elizabeth Falconer has been performing and recording compelling music for the koto, a Japanese zither, for many years, but this series of recordings of compositions by her teacher Sawai Tadao stands out to me. Two volumes of (what I assume will be) a 4-volume series are available, and both contain dramatic, charismatic contemporary Japanese music. If you have heard traditional Japanese music for strings, be prepared for a shock. The compositions here are full of suspense, shifting moods, and a dramatic intensity that exceeded my expectations. Just the sounds alone create evocative combinations: Elizabeth is joined at times by her husband John Falconer (and other half of Duo En) on the shakuhachi bamboo flute, and the complicated musical dialogue between the crisp, rhythmic koto and fluid shakuhachi is realized expertly. Likewise for a collaboration between Elizabeth and violinist Tari Nelson-Zagar, which again takes advantage of the contrast between two very distinct sounding instruments. Nothing on this album is more enjoyable than the cinematic experience it offers. The fact that such abstract music is capable of providing such a vivid emotional impact should be credited to Tadao's dynamic compositional imagination, and to his student Elizabeth's ability to bring that imagination to life in her performance of his music. Tori No Yo-Li (Like a Bird) serves as a prime example of the cinematic qualities of Tadao's contemporary vision. Elizabeth's playing is affecting and impossibly evocative in this piece, which depicts a bird in flight. The turmoil, excitement, and soaring elegance of this piece of music immediately captures the imagination and puts you in the center of the experience of flight. Elizabeth's playing seems to extend the possibilities of the koto. Her collaborators on this project, including John Falconer, Tari Nelson-Zagar, vocalist Jessica Kenney, and Brian Falconer (John and Elizabeth's son) create such an expanded and subtle musical pallet that it seems altogether otherwordly at times. The result is a remarkable tribute to the innovations of Tadao, and a remarkable vision for contemporary Japanese music.

Truly inspired and deeply felt...

REVIEW FOR THE SAWAI CD COLLECTION!

Arguably the most accomplished koto player outside of Japan, Elizabeth Falconer and a cast of well-attuned collaborators here pay loving homage to her former teacher, the late Sawai Tadao, who along with his predecessor Michio Miyagi was the artist most responsible for revitalizing the instrument and carrying its repertoire forward into the modern era. The two volumes available in this series, “Spell of Spring” and “Stirring Autumn, ” collect Sawai compositions performed as part of a four-concert tribute that took place in Seattle in 2007-08. As an alumnus of the venerable Sawai Koto School in Japan, Falconer enjoyed the privilege of working directly with the master and continues to collaborate regularly with his wife, the virtuoso koto performer and improviser Sawai Kazue; in keeping with this family tradition, Elizabeth’s musical partners on these sessions include her husband John, whose probing shakuhachi beautifully complements the more percussive textures of the koto, and her teenaged son Brian, an impressive koto player in his own right. Selected tracks effectively incorporate other traditional Japanese instruments such as the three-stringed shamisen (expertly played by Marcia Takamura), in addition to voice (a haunting performance in Japanese by Jessika Kenney) and the Western violin (Tara Nelson-Zagar in a performance bordering the telepathic). A prolific, forward-looking composer as well as an instrumental innovator, Sawai produced a large body of work ranging from weightless, tonally ambiguous ruminations to showcases of rapid-fire dexterity; these two CDs presenters well-balanced and passionately performed survey of his varied compositional oeuvre. Sawai’s pieces often display a more vigorous rhythmic dynamism than is typical of the traditional koto repertoire, as demonstrated on the propulsive track, “Hotaru” (Fireflies) for solo bass koto, and instrument that gained much greater prominence thanks to Sawai’s advocacy. His more adventurous works incorporate extended techniques of his own devising – striking the strings percussively with drumsticks, inserting objects between the strings to alter the timbre in fascinating ways, luminous harmonics – many of which are on striking display ion these two collections. A truly inspired and deeply felt labor of love, this CD series stands as a major addition to the koto canon and is essential listening for anyone interested in the koto or in extraordinary string music of any kind.

MOONVIEWING REVEIW IN NEW AGE REPORTER!
It's interesting that, for whatever reason, Japanese music has never come into the "new age limelight" as have the Celtic, Nuevo flamenco, and world beat genres. That's puzzling since I'd think the plaintive and reflective qualities of traditional Japanese music, as represented on a disc such as Moonviewing from Duo En (John and Elizabeth Falconer), would be an ideal "fit" for the aesthetics of the new age movement. The haunting quality of the shakuhachi flute (John Falconer) and the mystical sounds of the stringed instrument known as the koto (Elizabeth Falconer), when played with artistry and restraint (as the pair do throughout this recording) are among the most evocative instruments in the world. I've been a fan of Japanese music since I first heard it (which was probably as part of the soundtrack to some film I watched back in the '60s or '70s) and I consider myself fortunate whenever a disc like this arrives in my mailbox for review.


There is a patience inherent in traditional Japanese music, even when a particular piece's tempo is not slow (such as during certain passages of the thirteen-plus minute original composition, "Moonlit Garden" or the Falconers' "Floating Leaves". a composition which features energizing duets as well as quieter sections), so that the listener does not feel overwhelmed by the music but more absorbed into it on an unconscious level. I am reminded of the line from the movie Serenity when Wash, the pilot of the titular starship, utters in the midst of a chaotic moment "I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar." This quality of Japanese music is on display throughout Moonviewing; the music carries you with it, not by force per se, but by you becoming one with it, if one surrenders to it, the way a leaf surrenders to the wind.


Besides the two tracks mentioned earlier, the other original is "Ancient Pine" (inspired by the evocative artwork adorning the CD's cover, painted by Molly Hashimoto), a somber yet beautiful meditation. Of the traditional pieces on the album, the one which all but the most closeted ethnocentrists will doubtless recognize is "Sakura, Sakura" which gets a subtly distinct arrangement by the two performers without losing any of its familiarity. "Call of the Cranes" is usually meant for two shakuhachi flutes but John Falconer's solo arrangement finds a way to convey the plaintive calling of the birds to one another across the snow with just his single instrument. The closing track, "Meditations on Rokudan" showcases each of the two artists on solos embedded within the nearly nine minute long track which begins and ends with them playing together. For me, the most haunting cut on the album is "Kojo no Tsuki (Moon over Castle Ruins)." Simply too beautiful to be adequately described!


With its mixture of a few uptempo numbers as well as tracks that are more sedate and soothing, Moonviewing would likely be a good introduction to Japanese music for someone who has never been exposed to it before. It is true to its source, i.e. it's "authentic" but yet is accessible enough for those who enjoy the Western "counterparts" of these particular Japanese instruments (which I suppose would be silver flute and harp). Personally, I think Japanese music (such as this) is superb background accompaniment to both moments of reflection as well as mild to moderate levels of activity (and it goes without saying you couldn't ask for a better soundtrack if you're fortunate enough to cook and then partake of a Japanese meal or, better yet, have one cooked for you). While the more spirited pieces may prove somewhat too busy for "true" meditation, everyone resonates to a different tempo and mood in that regard so I leave it up to you to decide if you can use it thusly. However, even if you only listen in order to enjoy the rich musical culture of Japan and take an aural voyage of sorts across the Pacific, the CD still comes solidly recommended.
Rating: Very Good + - Bill Binkelman, New Age Reporter

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. - Joanna Daneman, Amazon Top 10 Reviewer

AFFINITY REVIEW IN NEW AGE RETAILER!

En (Japanese for “affinity”) is the husband-and-wife duo of John Falconer and Elizabeth
Falconer. Elizabeth, one of the few Americans licensed as a master of the elegant
13-stringed koto, and John, on shakuhachi bamboo flute, create a serene and inviting
atmosphere within 11 tracks of music.
Affinity includes numerous original compositions such as the mysterious “Enigma”
and the flowing “Silver River,” as well as arrangements of popular favorites including
“Scarborough Fair,” “Amazing Grace/Swing Low,” and Bizet’s “Je Crois Encore Entendre,”
and a few traditional Japanese pieces.
If you need to turn off the noise of the outside world, turn on Affinity. Purposefully
simple, the use of just the koto and flute makes the CD a thinly textured and
airy work. At exactly one hour, it’s great for massage, spa, or sleep sessions. Affinity is
perfect for any fan of the timbres and style of Japanese music and is one of the most
calming and serene in-store plays imaginable.

REVIEW FOR EN: AFFINITY
If you love the sound of plucked koto and whispering shakuhachi bamboo flute, you are going to love "Affinity." Elizabeth Falconer and her husband John Falconer form the duo "En" --"affinity" in Japanese. There certainly is an affinity for koto and shakuhachi. The dry but fluid sound of the flute blends with the harp-like dripping of the plucked koto. Mrs. Falconer is one of the few American koto players who are actually licensed as a true Japanese master of the instrument. She and her husband met while studying Japanese, and their affinity for each other has created a wonderful musical partnership.

What's marvelous about this cd is that it includes koto-shakuhachi arrangements of popular tunes like "Scarborough Fair" and "Je Crois Encore Entendre" and "Amazing Grace." There are also traditional Japanese tunes mixed in and original works. I was amazed at how Japanese Simon & Garfunkel could sound!

I like relaxation music. I find that I can turn off all the "noise" in my brain by listening to quiet music right before bed. This cd is going right into the bedside CD and I have a feeling it's going to be staying there for quite a while. This is gorgeous music. If you have kids that need settling down before bed, I'd recommend you try this music for them. You could read a beautiful bedtime story, a psalm or bible verse, or look at a soothing picture book and make a wonderful bedtime ritual. Or just sit and cuddle and teach them to calm themselves after a busy day. For adults, this is also something very romantic. Dinner by candlelight? Sofa and fireplace? Sitting on the porch or deck on a lovely evening? The music evokes dark silhouettes of pine trees and twinkling stars and the breeze stirring the floating leaves.

If you have a friend who is a fan of Japanese music, or who likes world sound or who might need something relaxing, this would make a wonderful gift. I think this is a great addition to any cd library and so far, tied with "Deep Pool" this is my favorite of all the Falconer koto albums so far. Absolutely excellent and highly recommended.

A RAVE REVIEW for "Moonviewing" by Roger Shimomura (Yes, THE Roger Shimomura! See his website at: http://www.rshim.com.)

"This CD is wonderful. Whether you are a fan of tradtional Japanese music or experimental American music, I promise you will be impressed. John and Elizabeth never disappoint."

Seattle-based John Falconer and Elizabeth Falconer not only husband and wife, but are married musically as well. Their closeness is on display in this subtle, gorgeous album of duets between Elizabeth's kotos, and John's shakuhachi. Great music for background or meditation, it also bears up to active listening. The couple aren't dabblers; they have studied the music from master teachers, and have lived in Japan. And they've managed to achieve a balance between precision and relaxation in this fresh recording with ancient Japanese roots.

EN: AFFINITY was played on Seattle's NPR station KUOW on Nov. 17th on "The Beat." Archives of the tapes can be ordered from: www.kuow.org

Elizabeth Falconer is one of the only Westerners to be recognized in Japan as a master of the koto. She plays with incredible nuance and depth. John Falconer has a beautiful command of the expressive overtones and whispers of the shakuhachi flute. The two of them together bring gorgeous sweetness into the room.