In the given statement, Ryuichi Sakamoto expresses his early fascination with synthesizers as a way to break free from traditional musical constraints. He was particularly interested in moving away from the limitations imposed by the twelve-tone system, which is a method of composition developed in the 20th century that uses all twelve notes of the chromatic scale equally. This interest also extended beyond just the twelve-tone system to include other aspects of Western modern music that Sakamoto felt were confining.
Sakamoto's desire for musical liberation led him to embrace electronic and ethnic music, both of which offered new avenues for creativity and expression outside the boundaries set by conventional European music systems. By exploring these diverse genres, he could experiment with different sounds, rhythms, and techniques not typically found in traditional Western classical or modern compositions. This approach allowed Sakamoto to merge his own cultural background with innovative technologies, creating a unique musical identity.
Ryuichi Sakamoto is an acclaimed Japanese musician, composer, and actor known for his work in film scores, electronic music, and contemporary art music. Born in Tokyo in 1952, he joined the electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) in the late 1970s, which was influential in pioneering synthpop and electronica globally. Beyond his musical contributions, Sakamoto has also composed notable soundtracks for films such as "The Last Emperor" and "Little Buddha," earning him multiple awards including an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
