The prestigious Maison Krug, founded in Reims in 1843, presents Every Note Counts, a project that merges the art of winemaking with musical composition. The protagonists of this collaboration are Julie Cavil, Chef de Caves of the Maison, and Max Richter, composer, pianist, and producer—one of the most influential of his generation. The initiative stems from a shared vision: in both Champagne and music, every note counts.
The 2008 Vintage and Krug: A Triptych of Cuvées and Original Compositions
In 2008, Champagne experienced an exceptional harvest. Julie Cavil seized the opportunity to craft three distinct expressions, the result of meticulous work and a deep understanding of the generosity of that vintage. These three Champagnes were musically interpreted by Max Richter, who composed three original pieces in dialogue with each cuvée.
Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2008 was translated into music with the piece Clarity, written for soloist. This Champagne represents absolute purity, coming from a single plot, a single grape variety, and a single vintage. The composition reflects the essentiality and precision of this expression.
Krug 2008 inspired Ensemble, a chamber composition that evokes the perfect conditions of the vintage. The wine, the result of a rare balance, finds in music a harmonic echo that amplifies its character.
Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition was paired with the piece Sinfonia, an orchestral symphony that mirrors the generosity of a Champagne composed of 127 wines from 11 different vintages. It is the richest and most complex expression of Krug’s philosophy, which finds in music an equally layered narrative.
These three musical movements form the triptych Krug from Soloist to Orchestra in 2008 (Second Act), a sensory journey through taste, sound, and emotion.
“Every Note Counts”: More Than an Artistic Experiment
Every Note Counts is far more than an artistic experiment. It is a celebration of the precision, intent, and care that define both exceptional winemaking and musical composition. From the vineyard to the recording studio, from Reims to Oxfordshire, the project explores a shared vision: art lies in the details, and the most generous creations are born from deep dedication.
Champagne According to Krug: Pleasure Without Compromise
Maison Krug was founded by Joseph Krug, a visionary who understood that pleasure was the essence of Champagne. His dream was to offer, year after year, the best possible Champagne, regardless of climatic variations. To achieve this, he adopted a nonconformist approach based on enhancing the singularities of each vineyard, respecting the individuality of each plot, and creating a vast library of reserve wines. Six generations of the Krug family have perpetuated this vision, enriching it with savoir-faire and innovation.
Max Richter: Music as a Universal Language
Max Richter is renowned for his ability to blend traditional orchestration with electronic elements, creating compositions that translate profound human experiences. With over three billion streams, his work has captivated a global audience. His collaboration with Krug demonstrates how wine and music can engage in an authentic and compelling dialogue.
