{"id":6316,"date":"2014-08-12T19:31:59","date_gmt":"2014-08-12T18:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennethwoods.net\/blog1\/?post_type=product&p=6316"},"modified":"2015-12-10T13:21:23","modified_gmt":"2015-12-10T12:21:23","slug":"spring-sounds-spring-seas","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/kennethwoods.net\/blog1\/product\/spring-sounds-spring-seas\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Sounds, Spring Seas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Michio Miyagi (arr. James Nyoraku Schlefer)<\/strong>
\nHaru no Umi Redux<\/p>\n

James Nyoraku Schlefer\u00a0<\/strong>
\nShakuhachi Concerto<\/p>\n

Daron Aric Hagen<\/strong>
\nKoto Concerto \u201cGenji\u201d (David Curtis, conductor)<\/p>\n

Orchestra of the Swan<\/strong>
\nKenneth Woods and David Curtis, conductors<\/strong>
\nJames Nyoraku Schlefer- shakuhachi<\/strong>
\nYumi Kurosawa- koto<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recorded May 26-28, 2011, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
\nProduced by Gary Cole
\nEngineered by Steve Swindon
\nReleasing Summer 2012<\/p>\n

MSR Records<\/p>\n

Critical Reaction<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cRecording of the Year, 2012<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u201cAn accessible introduction to the timbral and expressive capabilities of the traditional shakuhachi and the 20-string koto, as interpreted by contemporary, but decidedly audience-friendly, American composers also employing normal occidental forces. Recordings as arresting and entertaining as either composer could wish for. Sound quality throughout very good indeed, warm and well balanced. Five stars\u201d\u00a0<\/em>
\nMusicWeb International<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe finale, a rondo, moves the goalposts substantially, juxtaposing varied, rhythmic sections against the delicacy of the preceding two movements. The Swan Orchestra comes into its own here; Schlefer is a fine player throughout, and his own best advocate. This is memorable music in fine performances.\u201d<\/em>
\nFanfare Magazine<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Orchestra of the Swan, a British chamber orchestra, plays with expressive understatement. The warm recording, at a concert, has all the qualities of a studio production. East-West fusions seem immune to the struggles of the classical music scene. This engaging album shows why.\u201d<\/em>
\nAmerican Record Guide<\/strong><\/p>\n