Lullaby
A mixture of traditional compositions, original works, and contemporary music by other composers, Mizuyo Komiya'sLullabyexploits the beautiful sounds of a 25-stringsou, which is a modern reinvention of the traditional 13-stringkoto. Allowing for greater melodic possibilities, the instrument also recalls the tonality of a harp but with an Eastern tuning system. This modern koto is the focal point of the album; however, some surreptitious keyboards from Kiyoshi Yoshida and producer Kazumasa Yoshioka provide atmospheric augmentation in certain spots. The strength ofLullabylies in its multifaceted expression. Komiya is not content to noodle about, instead contrasting contemplation with motion, and balancing sparse passages with gracefully restrained displays of musical dexterity. The opening track "Path" balances slow-moving koto with light keyboard swirls; the delicate, dreamy "I've Felt Little Autumn" is propelled by an enchanting melodic structure; and the flittering strings within "Ho Ho Hotaru Koi I" provide an eerie, gripping bridge to an otherwise meditative instrumental work. The compositions onLullabyare short and sweet--the 12 tracks add up to approximately 44 minutes--and these serene works are concise enough to inspire repeated listenings and long enough to linger in your memory after listening. A charming, nonmusical bonus: look for four incense sticks placed within the jewel case itself, evidently a staple of Pacific Moon releases.--Bryan Reesman