Listen to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Nokia ringtone compositions from the mid-2000s

A compilation of ringtones created by Ryuichi Sakamoto has emerged in honour of the composer who passed away last week.

Created in the mid-2000s, these ringtones were made by Sakamoto for the Nokia 8800 model.

Released by the YouTube channel Tech Product Bangers, the compilation includes well-known ringtones and alerts such as ‘Asian-chant’, ‘Duel’ and ‘N-choral’.

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The video description says: “I yearn for these to be released in lossless form on a CD someday (as well as tracks that did not make the cut), as these are wonderful pieces of music.”

Sakamoto passed away on 28th March aged 71 and was known as a composer and electronic pioneer with the Yellow Magic Orchestra.

In December, he performed his last show as four live-streamed concerts due to his ongoing battle with cancer.

The stream was watched by people from around 30 different countries and regions from Japan to Europe and included 13 compositions including ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence’, ‘Tong Poo’ and ‘The Wuthering Heights’.

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His last album was released earlier this year titled, ‘12’ marking his first non-soundtrack album in six years.

Since his death, a statement on his official website reads: “While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow. He lived with music until the very end.

“We would like to express out deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as medical professionals in Japan and the United States who did everything in their power to cure him.

“In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members. Finally, we would like to share one of Sakamoto’s favourite quotes: ‘Ars longa, vita brevis’ [Art is Long, life is short’].”

Listen to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Nokia ringtone compilation below.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Video and Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter