Search - Kinshi Tsuruta :: Satsuma-Biwa

Tsuruta Kinshi: a wonderful listening experience

jfpessoa | NYC/Portugal/Cyprus | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording, like much of traditional Japanese music, is not something that is probably not immediately accessible and appreciable without some prior listening experience. Ms. Tsuruta Kinshi was a performer held in extraordinarily high esteem, both as a biwa player and vocalist. Without a doubt it is certainly possible to have a positive reaction to music that is far removed from our usual cultural experience, a resounding yes that comes straight from the guts; however, the more common reaction by far is to recoil from something that seems *too* strange.I came across Tsuruta Kinshi - fortunately - only after having attended performances of traditional Japanese drama (kabuki, noh, bunraku) in which music is an indispensable part. In addition, I had acquired a small number of recordings of traditional Japanese music, and done a little reading on the subject as well. If that preparation was what was needed to keep me listening on my first exposure to her music, then I'm grateful for I have enjoyed a very deep pleasure listening to her perform ever since that first time. Consequently, I would hate to think of anyone dismissing her music as bizarre after a brief sampling, and missing a wonderful pleasure that gets richer each time you return to it. I am not trying to push some elitist point of view, but a little time spent exploring the range of traditional Japanese music would not be wasted. This woman was a powerful and subtle performer and coming to her art with some preparation will, I think, only increase your enjoyment of these fine performances."