DUO EN: Store

If you've never listened to Japanese music...listen to this. If you've listened to a lot of Japanese music...listen to this.
The beauty of cherry blossoms bathed in silver moonlight, lanterns drifting on water and the sounds of nightfall, elegantly evoked by the Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute and the silken strings of the koto. Duo En takes their music beyond traditional borders without losing sight of its roots, and the listener is richly rewarded with something as intimate and warm as it is ancient and exotic.

"The clear passion and love she has for the music shines through in these wonderful versions of some of Sawai's most famous compositions." -Far Side Music

"Meditative without being mushy; rhythmic sections as well as slow streams of notes create a calming, otherworldly atmosphere." - The Stranger, Seattle

"More than garden variety East Asian-flavored new age music...both Spell of Spring and Stirring Autumn contain passages which explode with energy and passion." - New Age Reporter

Some of the most dramatic and compelling music of the great composer and koto virtuoso Sawai Tadao. This is a very special release of the the only collection of Sawai's works to be recorded in the U.S. It includes koto and shakuhachi duos and a stunning duet for koto and violin with guest artist Tari Nelson-Zagar as well as solo koto and bass koto works.

EN means "Affinity" and this husband-wife duo have an affinity for Japanese music based on years of study in Japan. Award-winning artist Elizabeth Falconer (koto) and John Falconer (shakuhachi bamboo flute) perform original compositions and well-known pieces from Japan, as well as their own arrangements of American spirituals, a romantic classical work, and a lilting Cuban melody. Reaching beyond the style of "meditation music," this is an utterly refreshing take on the versatile sounds of these traditional Japanese instruments.

"A fresh and unusual holiday album rich with quiet beauty." -Spin the Globe Review

Tidings of Peace from Duo En. Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and the 13-string koto (harp) offer acoustic music of replenishing calm and hope. Heartfelt and refreshing arrangements of melodies new and old are presented for listeners of all ages and places in the spirit of peace. Listen to sound samples on our listening page.

Spell of Spring and Stirring Autumn are good introductions to Japanese music... not always meditative in nature and at times complex and challenging, Sawai Tadao’s music is never boring and is frequently beautiful. - New Age Reporter

Elegant and passionate works by the great composer and koto virtuoso Sawai Tadao. This is volume two of a very special release of the the only collection of Sawai's works to be recorded in the U.S. It includes a koto and shakuhachi duo and Elizabeth performing koto with Seattle's goddess of shamisen Marcia Takamura and singer extraordinaire Jessika Kenney. Sixteen-year old kotoist Brian Falconer also plays an energetic solo on this recording.