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The timbral aspects of guqin technique are unparalleled in stringed instruments of the world. With over 20 different types of right hand plucking techniques and almost as many left hand fingering techniques, the potential for timbral contrasts between notes is immense. When listening to guqin music, the appreciation of timbral contrast is traditionally one of the most important aspects of the music. Such appreciation of contrast can happen locally from one note to the next or structurally - appreciating different sections of the music set in different timbral styles. Such appreciation for timbre on this level in Western music has only been present since the beginning of the 20th century in classical music.

Guitarist Nels Cline, recently named a "Guitar God" by Rolling Stone Magazine, presents a brilliant solo CD that covers an extraordinarily brand range of musical styles, with a surprising acoustic sensibility. The provocative title is misleading as this intensely personal album demonstrates a daring musicianship and a willingness to take musical and emotional risks. Coward blends improvisation and composition with a huge and constantly changing emotional and timbral palette. "Coward" is a musical tour de force.