Visionary Composer Jóhann Jóhannsson Dies At 48

From the Associated Press:

Johann Johannsson, an award-winning composer and producer who combined classical sounds and modern electronics on the acclaimed soundtracks to “The Theory of Everything” and “Sicario,” has died at age 48.

A native of Reykjavík, Iceland who started out as a rock guitarist, Johannsson won a Golden Globe and received Grammy and Oscar nominations for his score for “The Theory of Everything,” the 2014 film starring Eddie Redmayne as physicist Stephen Hawking.

Johannsson also received an Oscar nomination for the 2015 movie “Sicario.” His score for “Arrival,” a 2016 release, brought him Golden Globe, BAFTA and Grammy nominations. Last year, he worked with Darren Aronofsky on “Mother!” which starred Jennifer Lawrence.

Johannsson also recorded several albums of his own, including “Fordlandia” and “Orphee.”

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From KCRW Music Direction/Host of Morning Becomes Eclectic Jason Bentley:

Brilliant Composer Johann Johannsson has died. His solo albums IBM 1401 (2006) and Fordlandia (2008) were a fascination. A dreamlike vision of Electronic and Classical traditions. In 2010, I crept in through the back door of an oversold Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax to see him perform. It felt underground, like a secret concert during wartime. Some time later I helped introduce him to his first Hollywood agent, which led to several acclaimed film scores. His music has had a profound effect on me and this is a tragic loss. If you have a chance, play his rolling, meditative Fordlandia (13:43) on a really good sound system and appreciate the seemingly infinite peace and serenity of his music.

Johannsson appeared on Morning Becomes Eclectic in 2012 and you can revisit that session below.

(Photo c/o: Bill Zelman)