SHEET MUSIC: Ballades for Koto Solo: Vol. 2, “Spring”, Minoru Miki
I then met with Akemi Yamada, the principal koto player with Pro Musica Nipponia. Ms. Yamada has recorded all four volumes of Miki's Ballades and was very willing to help me understand more about koto. She demonstrated various movements of these works and explained the intricate markings and notations of koto music as well as the different playing techniques for the koto. Through this demonstration and my own experimentations on the marimba, I have tried to emulate the bends and slides of the koto through different playing areas and grace notes on the marimba. The various glisses, grace notes and embellishments are meant to emulate the unique sounds created in the original koto works. Miki has heard my koto arrangements and has given his approval for their publication and performance. - Brian Zator Recordings of the original work can be found on: Nami Record WWCC-7307 & 7308 – This is a 2-CD Set Minoru Miki "Ballades for Koto Solo" (all 20 pieces) Akemi Yamada, Koto Soloist |
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