Ryuichi Sakamoto broke through internationally around 1980 with his pioneering synthesizer pop, opening doors for generations of (pop) musicians after him. Even today, many still look to the music from that early period for inspiration. One of them is producer and composer Alexandre Kordzaia (1994), better known as Kordz, who cites not only Sakamoto but also Ravel, Stravinsky, Prince, and James Brown as influences. His music shares the same exuberant energy and creative spark that define Sakamoto’s early work.

With his synth and electropop, Sakamoto paved the way for generations of artists to come. The Swiss-Georgian producer and composer Kordz created a rebellious reimagining of Sakamoto’s best-known and lesser-known pieces. A specially designed light installation by visual artist Boris Acket amplifies the impact of the music.

Sakamoto became world-famous for his film scores, including Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Last Emperor, and The Revenant. For Asko|Schönberg, Kordz dissected Sakamoto’s early work and, with the maestro’s approval, composed a new piece infused with the same uplifting energy and musical inventiveness. Kordz x Sakamoto premiered in 2021 at the Muziekgebouw during the Holland Festival, followed by several acclaimed performances.

Press about Kordz x Sakamoto
Het Parool: “It wasn’t hard to be enchanted for an hour — if only by the joy and indestructible optimism of the music.”
NRC: “Percussionist Joey Marijs turned out to be a beatboxer, and David Kweksilber drenched his clarinet in distortion effects for a searing solo.”
Nieuwe Noten: “…a colorful mix of sounds, where strongly rhythmic and driving passages alternate with more ambient, at times even neo-classical sections that make your teeth rattle.”

This composition was made possible with the support of the Fonds Podiumkunsten (Performing Arts Fund NL).