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American Record Guide 'This exquisite-sounding program offers compelling transcriptions of his Für Alina as well as the Cantus and the unforgettable Fratres.' more >>
Classical Ear 'The recording, as we have come to expect from Linn Records, is first class.' more >>
Audiophile.no ‘[If] Are you open to exploring new musical terrain, there's no reason to let this opportunity pass, with its innovative sound in many channels. Carpe Diem!’ more >>
International Record Review '...this thoroughly engaging, fastidiously produced recording casts the marimba in an entirely new light.' more >>
Gramophone ‘The most convincing moment is reserved for Reich. New York Counterpoint continues where ‘Kuniko Plays reich’ left off.’ more >>
Baker & Taylor CD Hot List '...masterful transcription...' more >>
All About Jazz 'As striking as the music is, the spectre of Kuniko in flight is equally striking from her athletically efficient performance to her precise and exquisite presence: a total artistic package, shining with grace and brilliance.' more >>
Facts & Arts 'Renowned Japanese percussionist Kuniko Kato makes stunning music from the simplest of instruments, stretching their sonorities to heights never previously heard on record.' more >>
Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review 'This is one stunning album. Kuniko is a phenomenon and she makes the music her own in sonically moving ways. Excellent!' more >>
La Scena Musicale CD of the Week: '...outstanding. Why can't all records sound this good?' more >>
AllMusic.com '... the entire album is essential listening...' more >>
Infodad ‘Kuniko’s arrangements are attractive, and she certainly plays them well…’ more >>
SA-CD.net 'The timbres and overtones are captured with extraordinary beauty.' more >>
SA-CD.net '...great minimalist music...Kuniko’s playing is – as ever – subtle, austere and hypnotic.' more >>
MusicWeb International 'Kato's superb control of the marimba and vibraphone deepens these pulsing, rocking and 'tintinnabular' effects.' more >>
The Independent '...intricate rhythms are what catch the ear, but it's the overtones and silences that mesmerise' more >>
The Times 'Listening to these marimba rhythms is just right for a hot day, in fact it’s as refreshing as standing inside Niagara' more >>
The Observer 'imaginiative reworkings...in the hands of a master marimba player...an absorbing recital.' more >>

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Kuniko - Cantus - Irish Times

16 August 2013
Irish Times
Michael Dervan

Japanese percussionist Kuniko is on a minimalist mission. She's already recorded three of Steve Reich's Counterpoint series, and here adds the fourth, New York Counterpoint, arranged for multi-tracked marimbas. But the main focus here is Arvo Pärt, who, like Reich, has co-operated in the making of the arrangements. Für Alina comes for vibraphone and crotales; Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten for marimba (blended from more than 200 tracks); Fratres for marimba and vibraphone; and Spiegel im Spiegel for marimba and bells. Varied recording venues and microphone perspectives are used to create soundworlds of a delicacy and richness well beyond what the instrumentations suggest. One original work, Hywel Davies' Purl Ground for quietly humming marimba, completes the disc.

Kuniko - Cantus - Irish Times

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