Ahead of the theatrical release of "Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio Tour 2012" (opening March 27), a film capturing the late Ryuichi Sakamoto's trio performance in 2012, comments from the performers have been released.
In 2012, Sakamoto released the album "THREE" with a trio consisting of piano, cello, and violin, and held the "Trio Tour 2012" in Japan and Korea. The film "Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio Tour 2012" is a complete recording of the Tokyo performance from that tour.
The comments were provided by Jacques Morelenbaum (cello) and Judy Kang (violin), who participated in the album "THREE" and also appear in this film. In addition, comments were released from Marihiko Hara, who composed the film score and theme song for the movie "National Treasure," which became a social phenomenon, graphic designer Takuya Minami, who created the main visual for this film, and musician Shuta Hasunuma.
◇ Jacques Morelenbaum (cellist)
My time visiting Tohoku, which was devastated by the tsunami, and spending time with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Judy Kang continues to deeply move me. Music has never meant more to me than when I performed that night in Rikuzentakata for the victims. From the scenes of destruction seared into my memory and from Sakamoto's expression, I felt the profound pain that this disaster had inflicted on the people of Japan. And that gave me a special strength, and I played with the hope of healing that pain, even just a little. I am so happy to hear that this film will be released, because it contains one of the most beautiful and meaningful artistic moments of my life.
◇Judy Kang (violinist)
I had just finished participating in singer Lady Gaga's world tour. This trio tour, following that experience, had a special atmosphere that was intimate, meditative, and full of healing. When we visited Tohoku, I witnessed the scars of the earthquake firsthand, and the performance we gave for the victims remains deeply etched in my heart. It was a concert in the cold, but there was a warm atmosphere, albeit one tinged with quiet sadness. I think this film is the most beautiful way to express both respect for the lives lost and the importance of never forgetting that great tragedy. Ryuichi's spirit lives on in the work, and you will be able to feel that deeply in this film as well.
◇Marihiko Hara (musician)
After attending a Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio concert in 1996, I, a 13-year-old, decided without a second thought that I would become a musician. Sixteen years later, while struggling with the difficulties of making a living as a musician, I went to see another trio concert. There, I rediscovered the origins of my own music and resolved to keep going. Music that evokes both strong impulses and peace in those who listen. I'm sure that among those who watch this film, there will be some who, like me, feel inspired to take on a challenge.
◇Takuya Minami (Graphic Designer/Artist/Main Visual Designer for this work)
In creating the main visual for this work, the Trio creates resonance within a balance of correspondence and tension. The overhead perspective visualizes this relationship. Rather than treating the space captured by the video as a closed screen, the expansion is extended beyond the frame by adding details outside the frame. In response to the relationship between the three, letters that have been given a balance of organicity and tension are placed within the expansion as a single resonance.
◇Shuta Hasunuma (musician)
Neither solo nor duo. This is "minimal" music made possible only by a trio. Piano, cello, violin. The relationship between the three is revealed through each instrument. I remembered that the first album I received from Mr. Sakamoto was "THREE," which was made by the three of them. Enter a world of serene elegance woven from a palette of sounds stripped down to the bare minimum.
