Ryuichi Sakamoto

A varied soundtrack album that manages to weave in a little variation from the traditional type of motion picture scoring indulged in here by Sakamoto. Part of the reason for the variation is that only twelve of the album's 21 tracks are by Sakamoto – several are source music, others were composed by Richard Horowitz. The diversity thus makes for a more interesting album than might have been had from variations on the main minor-key "Sheltering Sky" theme (presented here in orchestrated and piano-based versions.) It also breaks away from the sound of Sakamoto's recordings, strong material that suffers from a certain digital harshness in the strings. Horowitz' part in this is in stepping away from traditional Western scoring and using Middle Eastern elements for score structures – something that's very effective indeed on "Fever Ride" with its blend of Moroccan and Spanish elements. Where Sakamoto easily sketches panorama with his music, Horowitz sketches in mystery. The local source music, too, adds to this, giving the album a grounding in the real world that completes the overall structure. An excellent album that can easily be recommended for more than just soundtrack aficionados.

A very rare CD, sent out for free during three months in Japan only, to people who had bought the previous three compilation CDs (US, UF & CM/TV) and who sent in vouchers to prove it. Most of the tracks are 'rarities' and this CD was never available commercially.

Ex-Talking Head David Byrne and actor/composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (who co-starred in the film) each get a side of this beautiful score to Bernardo Bertolucci's Academy Award-winning film, and each took home Oscars and Grammys for their efforts.

2017 marked the 85th birth anniversary of Glenn Gould, the solitary composer/pianist from Canada. To commemorate this, an array of special exhibitions and concerts were held around the world commissioned by the Glenn Gould Foundation in Canada, among which Ryuichi Sakamoto was asked to curate an event in Japan. Sakamoto, an avid Gould admirer who had been influenced by him since early childhood and had handpicked his compositions for a compilation CD, readily agreed to the request. As a result, “Glenn Gould Gathering”, a series of exhibitions and concerts dedicated to Glenn Gould, took place with Sogetsu Hall as center stage. The event was highlighted with a tribute concert entitled “Glenn Gould – Remodels”. The concert featured musicians who have maintained close relations with Sakamoto, such as Alva Noto + Nilo, the leading figures of contemporary electronic music in Germany, and Austrian guitarist Christian Fennesz, who has spawned a new world of acoustic music, as well as pianist Francesco Tristano, an exceptional talent from Luxembourg. This live album captures the moment of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.