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Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus
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On 28 March 2023, legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away. In the years before his death, Sakamoto could no longer perform, but in late 2022 he gave the world one final performance – this intimate concert film, movingly directed by his son.
Curated by Sakamoto himself and presented in his chosen order, the twenty pieces performed in the film wordlessly narrate his life through his music. The selection spans his entire career, from his popstar Yellow Magic Orchestra period to his magnificent Bertolucci film scores and music from his meditative final album, 12.
Intimately filmed in a space he knew well, surrounded by his most trusted collaborators, Sakamoto bares his soul through his music, knowing this may be the last time he can present his art. A celebration of an artist’s life in the purest sense, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is the definitive swan song of the beloved maestro.
Showing as part of this year's Leeds Piano Competition, one of the world’s foremost music competitions. Learn more about this year's festival here.
More from Tuesday Wonders:
Details
“It’s one of the most beautiful movies I’ve seen all year. With focusing on just the man and his piano, we are let in on something that feels so private, so personal, that you almost feel like we shouldn’t be there. But at the same time Ryuichi is right there inviting you in as if he has been your friend for years.”
Layered Butter
“Far more than a showcase of his talent and productivity, “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus” lets Sakamoto deliver an elegy, and in the process, an autobiography of his creative journey, as captured through the precision and poetry of director Neo Sora’s camera.”
Variety
“The final performance of the late Japanese composer is captured in stunning, heart-rending detail by his son.”
Little White Lies
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