Ryuichi Sakamoto – Opus

Ryuichi Sakamoto – Opus

Immerse yourself in the legendary artistry of Ryuichi Sakamoto with Opus, a definitive 2-CD collection curated by the composer himself. Spanning decades of groundbreaking work, this anthology brings together iconic film scores, Yellow Magic Orchestra classics, and deeply personal compositions that reflect Sakamoto’s singular musical voice. Featured tracks include Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Andata, and Aqua, alongside never-before-released pieces including for Jóhann (a tribute to Jóhann Jóhannsson), BB (dedicated to Bernardo Bertolucci), and 20180219 (featuring prepared piano). Presented in a deluxe six-panel digipak constructed from premium black stock with black foil stamping and silver text, the CD edition is wrapped in a custom eight-panel sleeve showcasing evocative black-and-white imagery of Sakamoto during the performance of Opus. A collector’s booklet offers liner notes and credits, providing deeper insight into the music and the artist’s final reflections. Opus is more than a retrospective; it’s a lasting tribute to one of the most influential composers of our time.

Bio: Ryuichi Sakamoto was a composer, producer, and artist born in Tokyo. His diverse résumé includes pioneering electronic works in the legendary techno group Yellow Magic Orchestra, producing pop albums and numerous classical compositions, two operas, and nearly 45 original film/TV scores for directors, including Bernardo Bertolucci, Pedro Almodóvar, Brian De Palma, and Alejandro González Iñárritu. His film soundtracks have won prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and many more.

Sakamoto also made considerable contributions to the art world with both solo and collaborative installations and multi-piece exhibitions presented in galleries and museums worldwide.

On January 17th, 2023, his 71st birthday, Ryuichi released 12, his 15th solo album. The new album is a collection of 12 songs selected from musical sketches Sakamoto recorded like a sound diary during his two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in March 2023 at the age of 71.

In memory of Ryuichi, his family and friends launched TREES FOR SAKAMOTO, a tree planting initiative to enable fans to donate to planting trees in various regions simply and transparently.

Tracklist:
1. Lack of Love
2. Bb
3. Andata
4. Solitude
5. For Johann
6. Aubade 2020
7. Ichimei - Small Happiness
8. Mizu No Naka No Bagatelle
9. Bibo No Aozora
10. Aqua
11. Tong Poo
12. The Wuthering Heights
13. 20220302 - Sarabande
14. The Sheltering Sky
15. 20180219 (W/Prepared Piano)
16. The Last Emperor
17. Trioon
18. Happy End
19. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
20. Opus - Ending

Label: Sony Music
Released: 2022/2026