On a crisp autumn afternoon, in an inner city classroom, about fifty second-graders lean forward, waiting in happy anticipation. Outside, in the “hood,” the heavy throb of rap emanates from boom boxes and drifts through car windows. But inside, all eyes are focused on the delicate woman with her “strange” and lovely instrument as she performs the beloved stories that have survived, even amid thousands of years of human turmoil.
     For one moment in time, children and master together enter that enchanted world, where kindness is rewarded, truth is honored, hard work pays off, and the children’s innate sense of righteousness is validated. The little ones inch closer, wanting to be nearer to the one they have come to know as Liz-Sensei - and they sing, chant, and laugh, just as children have done the world over since before recorded history.
     Such is the compelling and timeless nature of these Japanese folktales, interpreted with insight, humor, and, above all, joy by Elizabeth Falconer. In performance, Falconer accompanies her storytelling with music and sound effects on the Koto, an ancient, thirteen-stringed instrument. Thus, she has titled her folktales Koto Tales.
     If tradition can be described as “those things the human family has found important enough to preserve and perpetuate,” then folktales present a treasure trove awaiting the skilled interpreter. With love and a wealth of knowledge, Falconer has mined the truth and clarity that has withstood the sieve of time. In her expert hands, these stories are immediately accessible, striking a responsive chord housed deep in the human heart.
     Falconer was first drawn to the culture of Japan in the 1970s. So intrigued was she, that she spent twelve years there studying Koto under such renowned masters as Sawai Kazue, Sawai Tadao, and Nagane Utayumi. Through the experience of raising her own two sons, Brian and Jesse, she became aware of the power of the ancient tales and the universal truths that make them deeply satisfying to young listeners. On her own recording label, Koto World, Falconer has released five children’s CDs and six adult albums of Koto music, both traditional and original. She also performs with her husband, John, in Duo En, as well as her son Brian. However, her spoken-word recordings, accompanied by Koto, are most beloved by children and have won her many prestigious awards, including honors from Parents Choice, iParenting Media, NAPPA, and Storytelling World.
     Falconer has also made a print collection her Koto Tales available to young readers and their families. Just as Falconer looks forward, with that same happy anticipation, to where each story will lead her, it is her hope that these tales will continue to delight audiences young and old. Presented with integrity and joy, they are a treasure trove awaiting the young interpreter to read… reread… and to cherish for many generations to come.
Linda J. Morris
Educator and Journalist