Composer Max Richter turns Krug champagnes into music

Composer Max Richter in his studio, beside bottles of Krug champagne

Composer Max Richter in his studio with the Krug champagnes that have inspired three new musical pieces

(Image credit: Krug)

In Partnership With Krug

‘Music is a way of talking,’ says Max Richter. ‘It's a way of sharing experiences, perspectives and insights about being alive. I make little structures, ideas, mini universes that make sense to me, to tell stories and communicate.’ This is how the revered, genre-defying composer, pianist, producer and modern classicist approaches his work – images, tastes, nature, and life experiences inspire him, moving him to create electronic and orchestral pieces that surprise and delight, elucidating a moment, encapsulating an emotion.

Now Richter, born in Germany but based in the English countryside (Wallpaper* visited his Oxfordshire studio back in 2023) has composed three musical pieces inspired by the sensations, characteristics and emotions conveyed by three exceptional Krug champagnes. Driven by a shared pursuit of precision and experimentation, Richter and Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil have found meeting points through the sensorial aspect of their respective crafts, with the goal of reaching a balance, where nothing needs to be added or taken away. A testament that, whether in champagne or music, every note counts.

Composer Max Richter and Krug champagnes — Krug Cellar Master Julie Cavil and Richter taste the champagnes

Back in 2008, nature and weather bestowed the Champagne region with the promise of an exceptional harvest. This inspired Cavil to compose three distinctive Krug expressions – each the result of meticulous craft, experimentation, and a deep understanding of time and terroir. Some 17 years later, Krug would invite Richter in Reims, to experience first hand the maison's unique craft and translate his own sensations from tasting the cuvées through music.

Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2008 translated into ‘Clarity’ – a soloist piece capturing the radical purity of a single plot, a single grape, and a single year. Krug 2008 inspired ‘Ensemble’ – a chamber composition evoking the ideal meteorological circumstances of that year. Krug Grande Cuvée 164ème Édition finds sonic representation in ‘Sinfonia’ – the most generous expression of champagne, assembled from 127 wines across 11 different years.

Reflecting Richter’s ability to blend traditional orchestrations with modern electronic elements and translate profound human experiences into musical compositions, his three pieces recompose the singularity of the 2008 harvest, from a trio of champagnes. Collectively, meanwhile, the champagnes – known as ‘Krug from Soloist to Orchestra in 2008 (Act 2)’ – encapsulate the maison’s unique craftsmanship and winemaking philosophy.

From vineyard to studio, from Reims to Oxfordshire, this encounter is an exploration of a shared vision. Two disciplines, two methods, united by one belief: that craft is in the detail. And that the most generous creations are those made with precision, purpose, and care.

Discover more about the champagnes of ‘Krug from Soloist to Orchestra in 2008 (Act 2)’ at krug.com/maxrichter. Richter’s musical pieces, along with a Krug x Max Richter documentary, will be revealed in February 2026.

Simon Mills is a journalist, writer, editor, author and brand consultant who has worked with magazines, newspapers and contract publishing for more than 25 years. He is the Bespoke editor at Wallpaper* magazine.