Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto: TWO

Sakamoto and Alva Noto first began collaborating by trading files that would eventually form 2002’s Vrioon. Since then, they’ve released numerous albums, including their soundtrack to the 2015 film The Revenant and, most recently, the improvised live LP Glass. Throughout their work together, they’ve found a synergy that’s reflected in tonight’s performance, entitled Two. Sakamoto’s spacious and searching piano mingles with Alva Noto’s frequency-bending electronics, combining improvisation and new material.

Neither artist is a stranger to collaborative work. Sakamoto, who was one third of pioneering band Yellow Magic Orchestra, has worked with Brian Wilson, David Sylvian, Iggy Pop and others, and had a remarkable solo career. Alva Noto has worked with the likes of Ryoji Ikeda and Scanner and performed here at the Barbican in March 2018.