When legendary musician and film composer Vangelis passed away back in May at age 79, many members of the filmmaking community spoke out in mourning. The former prog-rocker created some of the most famous scores in cinematic history – including that iconic Chariots Of Fire tune – as well as working on TV shows like Cosmos, and soundtracking huge sporting events like the Olympic Games and the World Cup. One of the most memorable scores from his career was that for Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. From the new issue of Empire, Sir Ridley recounts the moment he heard it for the first time – read it below:
I remember my editor Terry Rawlings and I had done a very good temporary score for the final cut of Blade Runner.
I had engaged with Vangelis to compose the score. Most musicians do not want to hear temp scores, particularly if it is really good, because it inevitably has a dominating influence on their creative process. However, I shoot very much with score tied to the visual and the two are inseparable.
Vangelis had a large, barn-like space north of Marble Arch in London. I would turn up each night having been refining editing during the day, usually to discuss what he thought of the cuts and the temp score.
On this particular evening, he looked exhilarated and said, “I think I’ve found the sound of your film.” We sat down at his mixing desk, and he pressed the button.
On the large, black screen in front of me came up legends and descriptions of replicants and blade runners. The subtext was sound rather than music. Even a ship’s bell rang distantly… inexplicably.
I never questioned it, but simply loved it. Finally, the subtext of sound became a quiet overture to the explosion and wave of music and sound that washed over me, revealing Los Angeles 2017, and I was taken into the future.
Vangelis’ score was the heart and soul of Blade Runner. He will be missed.
.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Read our full tribute to Vangelis in the Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power issue – on newsstands tomorrow, or pre-order a copy here.