So long, Vangelis
17th of May 2022. is a sad day for every true music and art lover. During that night, the legendary Vangelis passed away. Many don't even realize how much we have lost. For me, Vangelis is undoubtedly the biggest musical influence. Although I never had a chance to meet him, I have felt like I did while listening to his music. After I suddenly learned the sad news, it was like I've lost a close relative or a dear friend. But the shine of Vangelis' music will never fade away and will remain to circle around us, much like that minor planet named after him in 1995.
I began following Vangelis' work back in high school in the mid-'90s. Of course, I've heard many compositions even before in my childhood, but I've finally linked the beautiful music with a name after someone has gifted me a compilation album "Themes", from 1989. It contains the most important of his works created between 1973-1984. This includes the famous theme from the British film "Chariots of Fire", for which Vangelis has been awarded an Oscar in 1981. For the broadest audience, this remains his most known piece.
If someone asks which Vangelis' album I like the most, I would have to have a really deep thought. This is about the same as the question: "Which of your children do you love the most"? If I had to choose, the album that had a particular impact and influence on me is "L'apocalypse des animaux" from 1973., especially the piece "La petite fille de la mer". This is a soundtrack from a nature documentary by french director Frederic Rossif. Of course, I must also mention the music from one of the most important SF movies of all time: "Blade Runner". This work encompasses all of the traits usually associated with Vangelis' music and is a vital component of a masterpiece by Ridley Scott from 1982.
The quality of Vangelis' music that has always inspired and enchanted me is his frequently simple, singable, and instantly recognizable melodies. In a conjunction with the modus operandi that assumed the synergy of musical instruments and technology, Vangelis seemed like Nikola Tesla in the world of music. Technology has enabled that, in essence very modest and self-absorbed artist, to create music that sounds orchestral although he was creating it all by himself in most cases. From a standpoint of a typical home or project studio that we know today, it is difficult to imagine that such a thing was possible in the early 1970s. Indeed, Vangelis was one of the rare examples and pioneers of such a creative approach, which has brought him a worldwide reputation almost as much as his timeless music.
Although Vangelis' work has been praised all over the world, his true goal was never fame or money. He simply created and studied music for his enjoyment and creative fulfillment, equally as an artist and as a scientist. He always stayed away from the media and limelight and was never a slave to the music or film industry. Vangelis is one of the rare ones who were fortunate to make it almost exclusively by following their own rules and instincts. His story proves that true talent can prevail and skip any boundaries in the end. To every artist, this can give a sense of hope and optimism, even in these merciless times.