Ryuichi Sakamoto puts Yamaha Disklavier centre stage to Promote Playing the Piano

Since his first album more than three decades ago Japanese composer, pianist and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto has become an international sensation, both solo and with his Yellow Magic Orchestra, his oriental-inspired music bringing a distinct Japanese sound to the Western world. He can boast creative and pioneering collaborations with many other global artists including David Byrne, David Bowie, Iggy Pop and David Sylvian amongst his countless critically acclaimed activities. He is also an Oscar and BAFTA winning composer thanks to instantly recognisable soundtracks such as The Last Emperor and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.

Ryuichi Sakamoto has also earned a global reputation for pushing and crossing musical and technological boundaries gaining notoriety in popular, orchestral and electronic music .

Sakamoto now enters a new chapter in his outstanding musical journey of exploration with the launch of 'Playing the Piano', a new 12-track album described as simplicity itself and which sees Ryuichi returning to his roots as a solo pianist. Captured live at concerts throughout Japan, he gives compelling interpretations of some of his very best material.

In a characteristically brave and creative leap Ryuichi, who is a long standing Yamaha artist has selected two Yamaha concert grand pianos for his current European tour - a Yamaha CFIIIS concert Grand and a DCFIII Pro Disklavier with record and playback facilities which allows him to accompany himself, significantly expanding the entire musical and performance experience for artist and audience alike.

A hugely enthusiastic Ryuichi Sakamoto told us "One day in the 80's I suddenly got an idea. it was to implement the midi capability to the acoustic piano. So, the next day I ran to see someone I knew from Yamaha and explained to him about my revolutionary idea. He smiled and said 'we already have it'. I was stunned and a few days later, I was in Hamamatsu where the Yamaha HQ and factories still are, looking at the very first midi-piano. It was so impressive and since then I have been using the Disklavier, later they gave it such a name."

"Several years ago, when I was recording the 'Playing the Piano' CD, I got the idea to duet with two pianos. So, I played the first one then played the 2nd one by myself. It worked great. It's a virtual duet with myself. I really liked this idea so now I am using the two pianos for the European tour this time".

The Yamaha Disklavier could have been conceived specifically to aid Sakamoto expand his creative horizons, a truly extraordinary and beautiful instrument the Disklavier represents the pinnacle of piano design combining a traditional instrument with some the most powerful digital music technology available allowing the instrument to record and playback performances whilst adding in a wide range of new sounds and effects.