Date of Birth: March 29, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: May 17, 2022
Biography
Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou, widely known as Vangelis, was a Greek composer of electronic, progressive, ambient, and orchestral music. He was born in Agria, Greece, and his musical journey began at an early age, showing a natural aptitude for music without formal training. Vangelis gained global recognition for his pioneering work in electronic music, blending synthesizers with natural sounds and orchestral arrangements. Vangelis started his career with the progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child in the late 1960s, but he is best known for his solo work, particularly his film scores. His soundtrack for “Chariots of Fire” (1981) earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score, and the iconic theme became synonymous with triumph and perseverance. Another notable work is his score for Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” (1982), which has been celebrated for its futuristic and atmospheric sound. Throughout his career, Vangelis released numerous albums and composed for various films, documentaries, and stage productions. His music is characterized by its rich textures, emotive melodies, and innovative use of electronic instruments. Vangelis was also known for his reclusive nature, preferring to let his music speak for itself.
5 Interesting Facts about Vangelis
1. Vangelis was self-taught and never had formal music training.
2. He was a member of the progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child before embarking on a solo career.
3. Vangelis received an Academy Award for Best Original Score for “Chariots of Fire” in 1982.
4. He composed the soundtrack for the film “Blade Runner,” which is considered one of the greatest film scores of all time.
5. Despite his fame, Vangelis rarely performed live and preferred to work in the studio.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vangelis
1. “Mythology, science, and space exploration are subjects that have fascinated me since my early childhood.”
2. “I function as a channel through which music emerges from the chaos of noise.”
3. “I don’t have a studio. I have a laboratory, where I allow the music to come to me.”
4. “Music is the most abstract of the arts. It’s a language that can express emotion and thought without words.”
5. “I see music as a language that can communicate with the cosmos.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Vangelis’s net worth was estimated to be around $245 million.
Children
Vangelis did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Vangelis on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006335/
2. [Biography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/vangelis-mn0000307461/biography
3. [Vangelis Official Website](http://www.vangelismovements.com/
4. [Academy Award for “Chariots of Fire”](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1982
5. [Vangelis on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/4770-Vangelis
