Horacio Curti's new CD
Ichi is published by Musikeon
Agharta Music D.L: B-28758-2009. The CD includes traditional Honkyoku pieces
Shika no tone, Tamuke, Sagariha, Sokkan, Honshirabe, Tsuru no Sugomori and
Shingetsu, mostly played on 2.4.
Shika no tone is played in duet with Kakizakai Sensei (the two deer are still distinguishable despite the well-matched tone quality and approach - since Horacio has studied with Kakizakai) (on 1.8 as expected, as is
Tsuru no Sugomori). For me, the most interesting pieces are actually the contemporary improvised compositions by Horacio that include
Impro I, Impro II, and
Kai named after his son and the remaining piece,
Vent de l'Oest by Spanish composer
Ramun Humet from Barcelona.
Kai and
Vent both explore a number of contemporary 'extended' techniques for shakuhachi such as a kind of barrel 'slap tongue' or 'tongue
pizzicato' sound,
glissandi and overblowing, as well as a slight departure from usual modal writing. Rhythmical double- and triple-tonguing effects and flutter-tonguing also add to the vibrant palette that continue the exploration of bamboo timbre, marrying expressive techniques with a strong melodic sense. It is important when new contributions are made to the repertoire that exhibit true understanding of the instrument.
I was chaffed to receive this CD from Horacio and I enjoy many other details such as the beautiful cover presentation, photos nostalgic of visits to Japan and the calligraphic
honkyoku music printed inside the case. The calligraphy on the cover is by Megumi Kakizakai who is a
shodo master. Horacio's commitment and sincerity shine through.
Currently I am composing a solo 2.4 piece based a Gansan Death Poem from the C19th for Horacio. It was the custom for monks and Zen practitioners nearing the transition to the next life to compose a poem in a particular metaphoric style, usually including qualities like the autumn to winter seasonal transition, fading colours, wintry breeze and exhaling breath (a nice connection to shakuhachi).
