War and Peace

Working at a computer all day let’s one get reacquainted with one’s music collection; in my case, over 45 gigabytes worth (my entire CD collection of over a thousands discs plus numerous purchases on iTunes). One album, which was purchased on iTunes, that I had not really listened to critically was Ryuichi Sakamoto’s recent release, Chasm. Sakamoto’s career as a composer spans over thirty years and includes music of all types, classical, jazz, fusion, electronica, minimalism, and three major movie soundtracks (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, The Last Emperor, and Little Buddha). Chasm spans a lot styles but centers on electronic minimalism. One tune in particular, “War and Peace,” caught my attention, given my current location. So much so, that I wrote down the lyrics:

War and Peace (Ryuichi Sakamoto)

Is war as old as gravity?
If I love peace do I need to love trees?
Are there animals that like peace and animals that like war?
Is peace quiet?

Is making war an instinct we inherited from our hunting or farming ancestors?
Were farmers the first warriors?
Do we love without thinking?
Do we do the right thing without thinking?

When children fight with their brothers and sisters are they learning how to make war?
How do we test the limits of our bodies without war?
Why do they compare war to a man and peace to a woman?
Peace is unpredictable

Why is war so exciting?
War is the best game and the worst life.
Is peace the deadliest work?
Is peace a time of tension?

What are the different kinds of victory?
In a war? In a race?
Is despair a solution?
Why is it dangerous to say, “Never forget”?

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The tune features a repeating electronic motif on top of which various voices, drawn from a diverse set of nationalities, speak the lyrics. Melodically, it’s not very interesting but the tune comes together in a whole much bigger than its parts. I’m sorry to say I’m not smart enough to provide answers to any of the questions raised but it’s something to think about.