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Artist News
Jóhann Jóhannsson dies
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 12 February 2018
Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, best known for his work in film soundtracks, has died. He was 48.
In a statement on Saturday, his management company Redbird Music said on Facebook: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of our dear friend Jóhann Jóhannsson. We have lost one of the most talented and brilliant people who we had the privilege of knowing and working with. May his music continue to inspire us”.
Starting his career as a guitarist in a number of rock bands, Jóhannsson released his debut solo album, ‘Englabörn’, in 2002, featuring music written for a play of the same name.
Critically acclaimed for his blending of electronic and classical sounds, he became an in demand film soundtrack composer. In 2014, he won a Golden Globe for Best Original Score for his work on Stephen Hawking biopic ‘The Theory Of Everything’, for which he also received an Oscar nomination.
His score for 2016’s ‘Arrival’ was one of his best received works, although the soundtrack was ruled ineligible for the Oscars due to the prominence of a pre-existing piece of music by Max Richter used at the beginning and the end of the movie. The same year, he also released his final standalone album, ‘Orphée’, based on the Orpheus myth.
According to reports, Jóhannsson was found dead at his Berlin home on Friday. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed. He is survived by his parents, three sisters and a daughter.
