Sakamoto a Bit Scattered, a Bit Romantic

Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto spent the first quarter of his two-hour set Thursday at

the Palace experimenting with various prerecorded sound samples.

The result--a swirling collage of bells, English and German narrations as well as various industrial noises--was scattered at best.

Such a lackluster beginning was baffling considering Sakamoto’s pedigree. One of the most eclectic and original musicians of the modern pop era, Sakamoto has explored many genres, from the techno sounds of his Yellow Magic Orchestra to several movie soundtracks, notably the Oscar-winning “The Last Emperor.”

Once the lengthy ambient excursion was done, however, Sakamoto justified his reputation by presenting material from his most recent outing, a solo piano album titled “BTTB.” The exquisite pieces showcased the composer’s affinity for the piano music of the French impressionists, bringing to mind the delicacy of Ravel and the evocative moods of Debussy. In fact, the lilting “Chanson” could easily have been a newly discovered nocturne by impressionist Gabriel Faure.

The evening’s high point came during “Forbidden Colours,” a movie song originally performed by cult popster David Sylvian. Sakamoto’s solo version exuded an irresistible air of reckless romanticism.