Sakamoto | Opus

A few weeks back Magda and I attended the opening of the film Ryuchi Sakamoto | Opus at the New York Film Festival in Alice Tully Hall.

Physically too weak to tour, as he fought the cancer that ultimately took his life, the film presents Sakamoto performing 20 of his pieces for solo piano in a private studio at the very end of his days.

By presenting only the music and the musician absent any context or commentary, Opus captures the full scope of Sakamoto’s artistic talents - the composing, the arranging, the performance, the peak.

Neo Sora, Sakamoto’s son, directed the work capturing each of the 20 pieces over the span of a about a week.

Sakamoto saves his best-known pieces for the end, and performs them somberly, underscoring the fact that this would very possibly be the final curtain.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and “The Last Emperor” come in the back half.

The final selection is “Opus.”

The film ends with a shot of the a piano playing “Opus” itself, the music remaining after the artist has left.

Here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xZWPRtwNc4

PS. The music isn’t all that remains of course. Prior to the screening, Laurie Anderson gave a rousing, short talk about their long and inspirational friendship (and secret breakfast club) in New York. Thankfully, his friends, family and collaborators are here to take things forward. I’m hoping for some solo cello arrangements, in case any of them are reading this!