Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Nokia Ringtones Compiled Online In Memory Of Late Composer
Photo 110783386 © Cineberg Ug | Dreamstime.com
To say that Ryuichi Sakamoto struck a chord with people spanning generations and cultures would be an understatement. In his 50-year career, the late composer touched hearts with his scores for Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence, The Last Emperor, The Revenant, and many more.
The musician passed away on March 28, at the age of 71, after battling with colon cancer. This was after he had long recovered from throat cancer.
While Sakamoto’s Oscar-winning compositions will likely resonate long into the future, some lesser-known works might sadly be left in the past. Among them are the ringtones that he produced for the Nokia 8800, which shipped in 2005. Thankfully, YouTube channel Tech Product Bangers has unearthed these audio gems and shared them online.
“In honor of Ryuichi Sakamoto… I have created a video compilation of all the ringtones and alerts on the Nokia 8800, most of which are his work,” the creator writes. “Some lovely sounds here.”
The compilation also includes notifications and alarms composed by Sakamoto, along with a piano arrangement of Francisco Tárrega’s iconic Nokia ringtone.
To spread the legacy of Sakamoto farther, the YouTube channel has released the tracks as a downloadable file.
Sakamoto’s final album, 12, published in January, served as a diary of his daily experience with cancer. Each song was named after the date it was created, such as 20210310 and 20220302.
In a poignant gesture symbolic of the loss of a musical legend, a moment of silence was shared on Sakamoto’s Instagram post announcing his passing.
“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow,” his team expressed in a statement on his website. “He lived with music until the very end.”
“Finally, we would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favorite quotes: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis.’ Art is long, life is short.”
[via DJ Mag and Bandwagon Asia, cover photo 110783386 © Cineberg Ug | Dreamstime.com]
