Vangelis: an eternal inspiration
Like for every composer, there are quite a few of those whose work has influenced and inspired that of my own. To pick someone above all the others is often difficult and sometimes even seems impossible, but if I really had to choose, the final choice would be quite obvious: Vangelis. His music, methods, and lifestyle embody everything that I love about music. They also provide an answer to a question of why I would always choose music as my life’s calling, despite all the troubles and insecurity this has brought me along.
To me, instrumental music is the ultimate art form. Music that serves itself, that doesn’t need words and is completely free from their influence - music which is universal and borderless, like scientific principles or an image speaking a thousand words. Such music can convey emotion to anyone who cares to listen. This is the very foundation of Vangelis’ work. Although his music is often complex and multi-layered, he is probably most known for his simple yet unforgettable melodies. Even those who’re not into instrumental music have bound to hear Vangelis’ compositions at some point in their life.
The second characteristic and appeal of Vangelis’ work is the inseparable bond between art and technology. He is one of the pioneers of electronic music and, in a way, the inventor of the “home studio” concept. This may not seem like much these days when everyone seems to have a music studio in their bedroom, but almost fifty years ago, when the first albums by Vangelis were born, this concept was truly revolutionary and unique. In fact, some could even argue that this particular method of working has brought Vangelis worldly recognition as much as the eternal quality of his music.
Speaking of the method, Vangelis’ work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach. He is not only a composer but also a performer, arranger, orchestrator, producer, and engineer, all at the same time. All these equally complex fields are interchanged in his music, which would never be the same otherwise.
Vangelis is completely self-taught. I may be biased on this because of my own background, but I cherish the artists who’re nurturing their own talent by themselves above all the rest. This path is the most difficult one and there are very few of those fortunate enough to be adequately recognized for taking it. Vangelis is one of those rare examples. His potential was discovered and cherished by many great artists, such as Ridley Scott with whom Vangelis has collaborated on several occasions, most notably on his film “Blade Runner”. Vangelis has also been awarded an Oscar for his music featured in 1981. film “Chariots of Fire”.
Although Vangelis was fortunate to achieve such wide recognition, he always remained true to himself and to his art above anything else. He was never a slave of the film and music industries nor he likes to be present in the media. All this came to him and not vice versa. Vangelis’ raison d’etre has always been the music itself, both as the scientific discipline as well as the art form.