Kui Dong’s first release of solo improvisations. Better known as a composer, Kui Dong’s solo improvisations playfully exploit the full range and color of her prepared piano, with a dedication to the detail of each sound that only an accomplished composer could attain. Kui Dong uses piano preparations designed by John Cage as a starting point for her own improvisations.

I’m sure [John Cage] would have relished the resourcefulness and peachy freshness of this music – Cage opened the door, and Kui Dong has rearranged the furniture. Philip Clark, Gramophone Magazine

What is particularly interesting is the fact that Dong tends to approach the prepared piano less percussively, to my ears at least, than did Cage and others. In all, this is a very fine album of improvisation for the prepared piano, one that is meant to be enjoyed. David Toub, sequenza21.com

1 · Magician and Traveler: Ensemble (4:48)
2 · Broken Moon (6:45)
3 · Running Ducklings (2:10)
4 · Temple of the Far East (7:40)
5 · Magician and Traveler: Solo (2:53)
6 · Blue Bird and Red Bird (8:00)
7 · In Between (11:25)
8 · Floating Stars (8:13)
9 · Dancing Stars (5:02)
10 · Yao Lan Qiu (7:18)