Composer

:

Ryuichi Sakamoto / David Sylvain

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:08

Forbidden Colours is a musical composition by Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Sylvian, released in 1983. The piece was originally composed as the theme song for the film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, which was directed by Nagisa Oshima and starred David Bowie, Tom Conti, and Ryuichi Sakamoto himself. The film is set in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II and explores themes of cultural clash, homoeroticism, and the human condition. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is slow and contemplative, featuring a haunting melody played on a solo piano. The second movement is more upbeat and rhythmic, with a pulsing electronic beat and a driving bassline. The third movement returns to the melancholic mood of the first, with a simple, repetitive melody played on a synthesizer. The overall sound of the composition is characterized by a blend of acoustic and electronic instruments, with a focus on atmospheric textures and subtle harmonies. The use of traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto and shakuhachi, adds a sense of cultural authenticity to the piece, while the electronic elements give it a modern, futuristic feel. Forbidden Colours premiered in 1983 as part of the soundtrack for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, and quickly became a popular and influential piece of music. It has been covered and remixed by numerous artists over the years, and has been used in a variety of films, television shows, and commercials. Overall, Forbidden Colours is a haunting and evocative piece of music that captures the emotional complexity and cultural richness of the film it was created for. Its blend of acoustic and electronic elements, along with its use of traditional Japanese instruments, make it a unique and timeless work of art.

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