Selected Reviews

Remy Franck; Pizzicato, May 2024

The exotic music transports the listener into a very special world of sound… In this recording it benefits from the technically outstanding and very committed interpretation of the Duo Yumeno. © 2024 Pizzicato Read complete review

Lynn René Bayley; The Art Music Lounge, May 2024

…Yoko Reikano is clearly a virtuoso koto player. I’ve heard several recordings of koto players, but none as breathtaking as what Reikano does here, and near the end of this movement Hikaru Tamaki’s cello playing is deep, rich and beautiful. © 2024 The Art Music Lounge Read complete review

Peter Burwasser; Fanfare, May 2025

The performances are especially strong and strikingly expressive, which, one can speculate, reflects a mutual respect between the artistry of the performers and Hagen’s strong appreciation for the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese musical and dramatic customs. © 2025 Fanfare Read complete review

David Lima Guerrero; Ritmo, May 2025

The Duo Yumeno’s performance is crystal-clear and showcases an excellent exercise in expressiveness. © 2025 Ritmo

Nathan Faro; American Record Guide, September 2024

Though the tone and aesthetic sometimes call to mind traditional Japanese chamber music…the music for both instruments is written idiomatically, so it doesn’t end up sounding wholly Japanese or western. It’s certainly one of the more convincing fusions of the two traditions that I have heard from a western composer. © 2024 American Record Guide