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Music, Music, Music

Ryuichi Sakamoto
Scott Peterkin

I was deeply saddened to learn only today of Ryuichi Sakamoto recent passing. I've copied the first paragraphs of the NYT obit and provided a link at the bottom to listen to one of his most highly regarded pieces.


Any other fans of Mr. Sakamoto want to comment on which recordings of his that should be purhased?


Ryuichi Sakamoto, Oscar-Winning Composer, Dies at 71

Mr. Sakamoto, whose work with Yellow Magic Orchestra influenced electronic music, composed scores for “The Last Emperor” and “The Revenant.


By William Robin

Published April 2, 2023Updated April 4, 2023

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Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of Japan’s most prominent composers, who scored the films “The Last Emperor,” “The Sheltering Sky” and “The Revenant” and was a founder of the influential Yellow Magic Orchestra techno-pop band, died on Tuesday. He was 71.

His Instagram page announced the date of his death, but it did not provide further details. Mr. Sakamoto said in 2021 that he had received a diagnosis of rectal cancer and was undergoing treatment.

Equally comfortable in futuristic techno, orchestral works, video game tracks and intimate piano solos, Mr. Sakamoto created music that was catchy, emotive and deeply attuned to the sounds around him. Along with issuing numerous solo albums, he collaborated with a wide range of musicians across genres, and received an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy and two Golden Globes.


Ryuichi Sakamoto - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

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