Greek composer topped US charts and won an Oscar with Chariots of Fire’s uplifting piano-led theme
Highlights
- Vangelis won an Oscar for his 1981 Chariots of Fire soundtrack.
- Composer died in hospital in France where he was being treated for cancer.
- He was also composer to soundtrack the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2002 World Cup and the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Japan and South Korea.
- His score to Blade Runner is equally celebrated for its evocation of a sinister future Los Angeles, where “replicants and humans live awkwardly alongside one another, through the use of long, malevolent synth notes; saxophones and lush ambient passages enhance the film’s romantic and poignant moments.
- His music became synonymous with slow-motion sporting montages.
- He also wrote music for stage productions, including The Tempest and The Tempest.