BRIAN AND ELIZABETH FALCONER: Chocolate Suite - Japanese Music for Chocolate Lovers

Brian and Elizabeth Falconer

Chocolate Suite - Japanese Music for Chocolate Lovers

© 2004 Koto World (804778010625)

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Smooth, inviting acoustic koto music that melts in your mind.

notes

A "Hottest Products of 2004" award winner from iParenting Media Awards and a Parents' Choice Recommended Recording! The piece "Midnight Rain" was nominated as Best Asian Song for the 2006 Just Plain Folks Music Award.
.....At last, Japanese music for chocolate lovers! Recording artist and koto master Elizabeth Falconer combines forces with her son Brian to play koto music as smooth and uplifting as chocolate. You don't have to be a Japan expert or practice Zen meditation to enjoy this. Inspired by her son's love of chocolate, Falconer has composed music that is warm and inviting, sophisticated yet accessible. The silken sound of of the koto evokes images of delicate blossoms and soft clouds. A delicious album for all ages to enjoy.
Why chocolate? "It all started when I wrote a koto duo for my son, who absolutely loves chocolate," Elizabeth explains. "We began to play the piece two years ago, and audiences love it. I want to help break koto music out of its stuffy, academic image. You don't have to be a Japan expert or practice meditation to enjoy koto music," she says. "To me, koto music is fun and inspiring, subtle and uplifting. Connecting this to something like chocolate is a way to share my own feelings about the music with new listeners," she explains. "Koto is the perfect sound to pair with chocolate. As an artist, it is a continuation of my exploration with this instrument, finding new ways of sharing Japanese culture and music while staying true to the tradition."
Elizabeth Falconer first went to Japan in 1973, and began studying koto in 1979, studying for over a decade in Japan. She tours internationally and frequently performs "Koto Tales," her award-winning versions of Japanese folktales with koto music. Brian Falconer began studying koto in 1998, at the age of six, studying under Elizabeth Falconer and Kazue Sawai. Elizabeth and Brian's koto duo, "Wasabi!" has performed extensively in the Pacific Northwest and Japan.

This is what Parents' Choice says about the CD:
This one is for day-dreaming. Maybe while watching drifting clouds, a dancing fire in the fireplace or trees rustling in the wind. Koto maestra Elizabeth Falconer, accompanied by fellow koto artist Brian Falconer -- her remarkable pre-teen son - perform instrumental pieces on the 13-string, "chocolate-colored" koto, playing together and solo. The beautiful, varied pieces are Elizabeth Falconer's original works, except for "Festival Drums," a lively solo work by Miyagi Michio given a spirited performance by Brian. -- Lynn Heffley, Parents' Choice

reviews

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  • It is very relaxing
    author: Diane

    I am doing a baby shower for my daughter the theme is Chocolate, so this CD is perfect for the background music, as it is supposed to be an elegant female only ,relaxing time for the Mom and her friends and family. The music is very relaxing, and allows your mind to wonder!

  • author: Hikaru Suzuki

    As a Japanese person living in the United States, I was deeply moved by this music. It has the tone of the traditional Koto, but the melodies are like a fusion of Pacific Northwest culture and Japan. It reminded me of the moss-grown forest of the Olympic National Park and the beautiful Pacific Northwest where I visited several years ago. I like it very much.

  • The kind of music I want to play for a romantic dinner, tea with a friend, or to
    author: Pat Duke

    However worn the phrase, Chocolate Suite really is “lushly romantic.” Beginning with the CD cover, which drove me to make a trip to Boehm’s, to the rich, harp-like undulations of the koto, the CD is sensuous and sinuous. My favorite tracks are the opening piece, “Midnight Rain,” and the incredibly tender interpretation of “Sakura, Sakura.” This rendition feels like springtime raindrops on lakes and leaves or a fern-clad spring where you can float like a water lily. The following (final) track, “Cloudscape,” lets you stay blissed-out and quietly awaken, the way you would do at the end of a yoga session. The music has a nice balance of energy, soothing yet stimulating, with a slow crescendo of energy at the center in the three movements of “Chocolate Suite.” Brian and Liz are a flawless duo, and their music is magical.

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