Tegoto: Japanese Koto Music
This splendid collection of recordings covers a wide spectrum  of Japanesekotomusic; the compositions span three centuries, from  ancient traditional to modern Western influenced pieces. Undoubtedly, the  most impressive element of the releases is the artist herself, the world  renownedTomoko Sunazaki. She is internationally recognized as a  master of the Japanesekoto. From the age of six, Sunazaki was  trained in the direct lineage of the famouskotoperformer and  composer, Michio Miyagi. At the age of 14, she had already earned her  teacher's license inkotofrom the Ikuta School. Later she earned  her Bachelor and Master degrees at the Tokyo University of Fine Art, and  subsequently joined the faculty there. In 1981, Madame Sunazaki was awarded  a teaching degree from the Miyagi Koto school, which is a rare  honor.Michio Miyagi's works are an integral part of each of the releases  in this collection, performed with respect and devotion. Miyagi was one of  the first to integrate Western inspiration intokotomusic, an  aspect Madame Sunazaki found especially important. By recording traditional  Japanese music, Western classics, and the delicate blend of both, she hoped  to expand the perceived limitations of thekoto.Drawing fromSound of Silk Strings(1984),Spring Night(1984) andMoon  at Dawn(1986) this compilation CD presents a delicious sampling of  Sunuzaki's most elegant and most exciting performances.Special note  should be taken of the beautiful releaseTegoto: Japanese Koto  Music. From the stunning rice paper booklet to the choice of titles,  this compilation is clearly an artistic masterpiece. This sampling of  Madame Sunazaki's most elegant and exciting performances is the perfect  choice for the audiophile interested inkotomusic.