ALVA NOTO & RYUICHI SAKAMOTO with ENSEMBLE MODERN utp_ (2009 German exclusive limited edition 2-disc set - on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the city of Mannheim, Alva Noto [Carsten Nicolai] and Ryuichi Sakamoto were invited to develop an audio-visual performance together with Ensemble Modern orchestra. The concept of the arising piece named 'utp_' [deduced from the term 'utopia' and hence describes an approach that leaves space for further extensive associations] isderived from the rasterized structure of Mannheim [built as an ideal city in the 17th century], also paying reference to the musical history of the city. The result of the collaboration is a synergetic mixture of electronic and natural sounds, expanded by the potential of the classical instruments of Ensemble Modern. The release consists of a 10-track CD album, a Region 2 NTSC DVD containing the 'utp_' concert movie and a utp_ ‘try-out’ to document both the developing process of the piece and the final result, a full colour 16-page photo booklet and a 28-page score, housed in deluxe die-cut & perforated fold-out 5" x 7" card wallet)