Composer Max Richter on His New ‘Every Note Counts’ Series With Champagne House Krug and His First Oscar Nomination For ‘Hamnet’: ‘Chloe Zhao Is a Visionary’

At an exclusive event held at London's historic Roundhouse venue, Maison Krug recently introduced the latest chapter of its "Every Note Counts" program. This innovative series forges a deep sensory connection by pairing three acclaimed cuvées from the exceptional 2008 harvest with three original musical scores. The evening featured a live orchestral performance of these works, a creative collaboration between Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil and renowned composer Max Richter, followed by a culinary experience crafted by Krug Ambassade Chef Adam Handling.

The three champagnes—Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2008, Krug 2008, and Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition—are each represented by a distinct composition: "Clarity," "Ensemble," and "Sinfonia." For Richter, whose diverse portfolio includes solo works and soundtracks for films such as "Shutter Island," the project presented a unique challenge. Instead of starting from a story or emotion, his creative process began with the inherent qualities of the wine itself. To capture its essence, Richter immersed himself in Krug's world, visiting its vineyards and the extensive crayères, or chalk cellars, beneath Reims. These subterranean labyrinths, some dating back to Roman times, are where Krug's champagnes age in silence, a stark contrast to the music they inspired. This exploration led him to conceptualize the very sound of a bubble's journey, directly informing the effervescent, rising motifs in "Clarity."

Julie Cavil, responsible for the blending and sensory profile of the house founded by Joseph Krug in 1843, found Richter's artistic philosophy to be a perfect match. She noted his skill in weaving classical structures with modern innovation, a duality that mirrors Krug's own commitment to time-honored methods combined with precise plot selection to achieve complexity. "There is a shared language of interpretation between music and wine," Cavil stated. "The 2008 vintage is a benchmark year, known for its brilliant acidity and longevity, which provided a powerful foundation for this dialogue." The initiative reflects a growing movement within the luxury sector towards creating immersive, multi-sensory encounters that prioritize thoughtful engagement over mere product presentation.

The launch coincides with a period of heightened recognition for Max Richter, who received his first Academy Award nomination earlier this year for his score to "Hamnet." The news, he described, arrived in a flood of digital notifications that underscored the project's timely nature. Such collaborations are increasingly seen as vital branding tools. According to luxury market analyst Claudia Renoir, "High-end consumers today seek authenticity and narrative. By aligning with an artist of Richter's caliber and documenting a genuine creative exchange, Krug builds cultural capital and connects on an intellectual level that transcends traditional advertising."

Framed as a "recomposition of the year 2008," the project presents the vintage not just as a beverage but as a holistic sensory concept. For Richter, this deep, focused collaboration stands in deliberate opposition to the often superficial pace of contemporary life. "In a world of constant distraction, creating space for concentrated experience is a radical act," he reflected. "This is about giving full attention to a moment, exploring how taste and sound can converse and elevate each other." The detailed creative journey between the composer and the Cellar Master is chronicled in a newly released documentary, offering an in-depth look at the meticulous process of translating the character of champagne into musical form.