A sure sign of getting older is that your inspiring heroes from younger years begin to fade away. While still coping with the loss of 'Il Maestro', Ennio Morricone in 2020, yesterday brought the horrible news that another musical role model, Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou - AKA Vangelis - has passed away at the age of 79. Vangelis leaves the world a legacy of phenomenal music, especially within the world of film soundtracks with such classics as 'Bladerunner', 'Chariots of Fire' and '1492: Conquest of Paradise'. His work with the incredible vocal talents of Jon Anderson will also live long into the future and inspire millions of future musicians, composers and singers.
I first encountered this genius composer in the 1970's, when I bought a copy of 'Heaven and Hell', after hearing his song, 'Cosmos' being used as the theme for a magnificent TV show of the same name, with Dr Carl Sagan. One of the tracks on this album has stayed with me for over 40 years, namely a piece on Side 2, called '12 O'Clock'. It is a piece of music which has never failed to implant astonishingly-clear image into my creative brain and will always be a perfect tool for any form of personal meditation.
Thank you so much, Evángelos. Your physical force may have left this world, but your creative, inspirational light will forever burn brightly. x
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