Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus

Ryuichi Sakamoto's final album, Opus,, serves as the soundtrack for the documentary of the same name. In his final weeks, Sakamoto, an Oscar-winning composer, was filmed at the piano by his son, Neo Sora. This album stands as a stark, emotional farewell, highlighting the remarkable career of a man who profoundly influenced the world of music.

Sakamoto, a luminary in contemporary music, known for his groundbreaking work as a composer, performer, and innovator, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His career spanned genres and decades. From his early days with the pioneering electronic group Yellow Magic Orchestra to his expansive solo and film music career, Sakamoto's ability to blend traditional and modern musical elements has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential artists of his generation.Opus, filmed just six months before his death in March 2023, serves as a poignant farewell, capturing the essence of his musical legacy.

Sakamoto was no stranger to solo piano records and performances where he would perform selections from his vast repertoire. Opus is a poignant and powerful coda to his illustrious career. The album captures the essence of his artistic journey and showcases his ability to evoke profound emotions through his music. His compositions are a delicate balance of beauty and melancholy, often reflecting the intricate dance between life and death. This duality is ever-present in "Opus," a fitting title for an album that serves as both a farewell and a celebration of a life's work.

The documentary itself is not a traditional biographical documentary. It eschews archival footage and interviews for a more introspective approach: a filmed musical recital. The film is devoid of narration, letting the music speak for itself. The compositions inOpus,range from well-known classics to deep cuts and previously unreleased pieces. The album opens with the poignant "Lack of Love," composed for the game "L.O.L.: Lack of Love." This track sets the tone for the album, its melodic lines and evocative harmonies drawing listeners into a deeply personal musical journey. The minimalistic approach allows each note to resonate, emphasizing the emotional weight of Sakamoto's performance.

This is followed by "BB," a previously unheard piece that Sakamoto composed on the day his friend, Bernardo Bertolucci, passed away. He even performed "BB" at the film director's funeral. Sakamoto and Bertolucci had worked together on The Last Emperor and The Sheltering Sky. The piece is emotional and deep, reflecting the profound bond and shared history between the two artists. Both these themes, "The Last Emperor" and "The Sheltering Sky," are also part of this record.

 "The Last Emperor" theme's sweeping melodies and lush harmonies are given new life in this solo piano arrangement. Sakamoto's performance is both powerful and introspective, capturing the grandeur and melancholy of the original score. "The Sheltering Sky," from the 1990 film of the same name, is another highlight. The piece's sweeping melody and lush harmonies are beautifully rendered on the piano, capturing the film's sense of exoticism and adventure. Sakamoto's performance is both nuanced and expressive, showcasing his deep understanding of the music's emotional landscape.

"For Johann" is another tribute, this time to the late film composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, known for his work on films such as Arrival. and Sicario Jóhannsson passed away prematurely in 2018, leaving a profound impact on those who loved his music. He had previously remixed Sakamoto's composition "Solari," and Sakamoto was deeply affected by his passing. The piece is a minimalistic and emotional tribute, capturing the sorrow and respect Sakamoto felt for his fellow composer.

Following this, there is a new arrangement of "Tong Poo," a track first released by Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978 on the band's debut album. The solo piano version highlights the piece's intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Sakamoto's ability to reinvent his work while staying true to its original spirit. The transformation from an electronic synth-pop track to a contemplative piano piece is nothing short of remarkable.

All of the compositions bear an emotional weight and introspective mood, but the most standout pieces are "The Wuthering Heights" and "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence." "The Wuthering Heights" is a piece Sakamoto composed for the 1992 film adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel. This piece had not been previously performed as a solo piano arrangement, and its inclusion in "Opus" showcases Sakamoto's ability to reinvent his own work. The piece's dark, brooding melodies and complex harmonies, influenced by Irish folk music, are brought to the forefront, creating a palpable sense of tension and drama.

"Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" is perhaps Sakamoto's most iconic composition, originally written for the 1983 film. The original song and film joined together David Bowie, Sakamoto and David Sylvian, who wrote the lyrics based on Sakamoto's theme music. The piece is a masterclass in melodic storytelling, and this rendition is no exception. The familiar melody, influenced by Erik Satie, is played with a gentle yet assured touch, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.

One of the most moving aspects of Opus,is the way it captures Sakamoto's personal struggle. His performance is a reflection on his life and career, a meditation on the fleeting nature of existence. There is a sense of vulnerability in his playing, a recognition of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of art. The album's final track, "Opus," is a fitting conclusion to this journey. The piece's serene melody and delicate phrasing encapsulate his deep emotional connection to the music.

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