# Vangelis

> Greek composer (1943-2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q153172](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q153172)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangelis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vangelis

## Summary
Vangelis (1943–2022) was a Greek composer, keyboardist, and record producer best known for his work in film scores, electronic music, and progressive rock. He achieved global acclaim for his iconic soundtracks, including *Chariots of Fire* (1981), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. His contributions to ambient, new age, and instrumental music defined a generation of electronic artists.

## Biography
- Born: 1943 (exact date and place not specified in source material)
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Trained at the Athens School of Fine Arts (1837–present)
- Known for: Pioneering electronic music and film scoring
- Employer(s): Atlantic Records, Deutsche Grammophon, Universal Music Group
- Field(s): Music composition, film scoring, electronic music production

## Contributions
- **Film Scores**: Composed music for *Chariots of Fire* (1981), *Blade Runner* (1982), and *1492: Conquest of Paradise* (1992), earning critical acclaim and awards.
- **Albums**: Released *Mythodea* (1978) and *666* (1972) with Aphrodite's Child, blending progressive rock and electronic elements.
- **Collaborations**: Worked with Jon Anderson on the *Jon and Vangelis* project (1979–present).
- **Studio**: Operated Nemo Studios (1975–1987) in London, a key hub for electronic music production.
- **Influence**: Inspired generations of electronic and ambient musicians, including M83 and modern artists.

## FAQs
- **What genres did Vangelis work in?** He was a pioneer in electronic music, progressive rock, ambient, and new age genres.
- **What awards did Vangelis receive?** He won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was knighted by the French Legion of Honour.
- **Where did Vangelis study?** He trained at the Athens School of Fine Arts.
- **What was Vangelis’s most famous film score?** *Chariots of Fire* (1981) remains his most celebrated work.
- **Who did Vangelis collaborate with?** He worked with Jon Anderson, Aphrodite's Child, and other electronic music pioneers.

## Why They Matter
Vangelis revolutionized film scoring by integrating electronic instruments into cinematic soundtracks, influencing composers like Mychael Danna and Daniel Pemberton. His work in ambient and new age music shaped the electronic music landscape, while his collaborations with Aphrodite's Child and Jon Anderson expanded the boundaries of progressive rock. His legacy endures in the work of modern electronic artists, proving his enduring impact on music.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Winner**: First Greek composer to win an Oscar for Best Original Score (*Chariots of Fire*).
- **Electronic Music Pioneer**: Introduced synthesizers and ambient techniques to film scoring.
- **Progressive Rock Innovator**: Blended classical and electronic elements in albums like *Mythodea*.
- **Studio Architect**: Built Nemo Studios, a landmark in electronic music production.
- **Legion of Honour Recipient**: Honored by France for his contributions to music.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vangelis was born in Greece and trained at the Athens School of Fine Arts, where he developed his artistic and musical foundations. His early exposure to classical music and painting influenced his later work in electronic composition.

### Career and Breakthroughs
Vangelis began his professional career in the 1960s, working as a keyboardist and composer. He gained international recognition for his film scores, particularly *Chariots of Fire*, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1981. His work for *Blade Runner* and *1492: Conquest of Paradise* further cemented his reputation as a master of electronic film music.

### Musical Collaborations
Vangelis collaborated with Aphrodite's Child, a progressive rock band, on albums like *666* (1972) and *Mythodea* (1978). He also partnered with Jon Anderson on the *Jon and Vangelis* project, blending classical and electronic elements. These collaborations helped define the progressive rock and electronic music genres.

### Studio and Production
Vangelis established Nemo Studios in London, which became a hub for electronic music production. The studio, active from 1975 to 1987, allowed him to experiment with synthesizers like the Yamaha CS-80, shaping the sound of electronic music.

### Influence and Legacy
Vangelis influenced countless composers and electronic musicians, including M83 and modern ambient artists. His work in film scoring and electronic music set standards that continue to inspire artists today. His legacy is preserved in his extensive discography and the enduring impact of his compositions.

### Awards and Recognition
Vangelis received the Academy Award for Best Original Score for *Chariots of Fire* and was knighted by the French Legion of Honour for his contributions to music. These honors reflect his global recognition and influence in the arts.

## References

1. Fichier des personnes décédées
2. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/fr/artist/7027-Vangelis)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://www.vangelismovements.com/vangelispaintings.htm)
6. [Source](http://www.udiscovermusic.com.au/ambient-in-20-songs)
7. [Source](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11110-blade-runner-trilogy-25th-anniversary/)
8. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1982)
9. [Source](https://www.sofokleousin.gr/parasimo-apo-ton-prokopi-paylopoulo-ston-vaggeli-papathanasiou)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. MusicBrainz
12. BnF authorities
13. CiNii Research
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. [Source](http://www.vangelismovements.com/theforminx.htm)
16. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3634447/My-Greek-odyssey-with-Alexander.html)
17. [Source](http://www.nemostudios.co.uk/nemo/main/vangelis/v05.htm)
18. filmportal.de
19. Discogs
20. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
21. [Source](https://musee.sacem.fr/index.php/Detail/objects/14761)
22. [Vangelis Papathanasiou: Oscar-winning composer passes away at the age of 79](https://www.ot.gr/2022/05/19/english-edition/vangelis-papathanasiou-oscar-winning-composer-passes-away-at-the-age-of-79/)
23. [Source](https://www.cnn.gr/ellada/story/312944/pethane-o-spoydaios-ellinas-moysikosynthetis-vaggelis-papathanasioy)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. [Internetowa encyklopedia PWN](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Wangelis;3993837.html)
26. CONOR.SI
27. BBC Things
28. ISWC Network
29. Spotify
30. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
31. Quora
32. The Movie Database
33. BMI Repertoire
34. BUMA/STEMRA title catalog
35. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Wangelis;3993837.html)
36. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data