Japanese Koto

Audio Mixer: David Knowles.
Liner Note Authors: Diz Heller; Ayako Hotta-Lister.
Recording information: Blue Moon Studios, London.
One of the brighter lights in the preservation of traditional Japanese music is showcased here, with Ayako Lister, a European player who performs primarily older works. The repertoire is entirely traditional, with three works from Kengyo Yatsuhashi (one of the 17th century forefathers of the modern styles of koto playing) and four from Michio Miyagi, a more recent composer for the instrument but generally within the traditional constraints. The playing is exceptional in all respects and is worth hearing. Lister doesn't necessarily have the speed of a Kinichi Nakanoshima or the grace of a more new age-directed player such as Elizabeth Falconer, but she has enough aspects of both ends that the sound comes gently, but keeps up with where the compositions are meant to go. ~ Adam Greenberg