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Oscar-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto creates music for Krug

08 September 2022 By Alice Liang

Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has created a symphony inspired by his tasting of three Krug Champagnes from the 2008 vintage.

As one of the pioneers in the world of Champagne and music pairing, a combination which is thought to trigger new taste sensations, Krug has stepped things up through its recent collaboration with Oscar-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

According to the Maison, the project “Suite for Krug in 2008” was initiated in 2019. It is a symphony inspired by three Champagnes crafted around the exceptional 2008 vintage; Krug Clos du Mesnil 2008, Krug 2008, and Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition.

Ryuichi Sakamoto and Krug have co-created a unique music pairing experience through the symphonic composition, which took place over 18 months. The musician conversed with Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil and sought inspiration in the cuvées, craftsmanship, and heritage of the Champagnes.

Sakamoto has incorporated natural soundscapes recorded on-site from Krug’s vineyard and cellar into the piece.

Drawing on the fact that the three Champagne expressions were born from grapes harvested during the same year, he decided to compose a three-movement suite that responds to the respective sensations of each bottle.

Known to many for his Oscar-winning film score compositions, including “The Revenant” and “The Last Emperor”, Sakamoto has been active in the world of music and art for more than 50 years.

From September 2022, Krug will host three global multi-sensory events in New York, London, and Tokyo, featuring a live orchestra of 36 musicians selected by Ryuichi Sakamoto. This immersive experience will then turn into 15 local events hosted around the world where guests will enjoy the immersive symphonic experience through 3D music technology by Devialet.

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