Search - Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yutaka Sado :: Cinemage

Beyond film music?

nagase | NYC | 03/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sakamoto's global fame as a composer and musician may lead to expections of unmerited praise, but don't be mistaken; "Cinemage" is certainly a work that speaks for itself. Utilizing mainly the piano and orchestra, Sakamoto relives some of his paramounts as a film composer in this recording. His technique, interpretation, and composition is beyond doubt; music lovers will enjoy Sakamoto's firm understanding and presentation of such classical elements ranging from Vivaldi to Barber. However, it is observable that the music seems to lack a certain maturity, that which that makes compositions classics instead of another piano-and-bar piece. Sakamoto's phrasing is sometimes abrupt and premature, and perhaps that is to be attributed to the fact that film music will remain film music, lacking the coherence that traditional compositions emphasize. Highlights of the recording include "Forbidden Colours", featuring the most beautiful and emotional piano and vocal parts. "El Mar Mediterrani" borders on the fringe of classical and new age; its sometimes chaotic and erratic melodies are truly inspirational and make this track a gem. All in all, Sakamoto delivers a range of material with such sophistication that reasserts his genius and fame. "Cinemage" is certainly a recording that music lovers cannot afford to miss."

A vexed effort, but valiant

somebody | NYC | 05/11/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Including some of his most renowned themes, CINEMAGE is a collection of works primarily composed to accompany visual events established on film. Known for his syncretism, particularly of East meets West, Sakamoto offers a unique, unabashed glimpse into his melodic universe, remaining one of the few film composers not submerged in the musical polyglot of the Hollywood scene. Recorded live on tour in 1997, CINEMAGE boasts an unrehearsed, but convincing performance by the Orchestra. Conducted by Sakamoto, with Yutaka Sado, the recording occasionally glistens with the imaginative elements of the music's inception intact. The graceful `Little Buddha' and `The Last Emperor' both evoke a sense of Romanticism and tragedy. `Replica' glimpses into the more playful, jazz-like harmonies of Sakamoto's compositional style, as well as the ferocious 1992 Olympiad theme `El Mar Mediterrani' which is bold, and episodic in nature. The centerpiece of the album lies in `Forbidden Colours' the heart rendering theme of Nagisa Oshima's emotional 1983 film "MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE." Along with guest musicians David Torn, DJ Spooky, and David Sylvian, Ryuichi Sakamoto proves that his music has the tenacity to reach farther than the silver screen, and onto the concert stage."