Vangelis - Odyssey - The Definitive Collection (2003)

Greek composer Vangelis was one of the most influential figures in the history of electronic music and as a composer of film scores. His popular work utilized synthesizers in an orchestral manner, featuring romantic melodies and lush arrangements. However, his oeuvre encompassed many genres, from progressive rock and jazz improvisation to choral and symphonic music.

He first found success as a member of Aphrodite's Child, apsychedelic/progressive rock band active during the late 60's and early 70's who scored several European hits in addition to releasing the well-regarded full-length "666" in 1972. Vangelis also issued numerous soundtracks and solo albums, ranging from the atmospheric folk-rock of 1973's "Earth" to the challenging avant-garde electronics of 1978's 2Beaubourg".

He achieved international mainstream success for his triumphant theme music to the 1981 film Chariots Of Fire and several collaborations with former Yes vocalist Jon Anderson as Jon & Vangelis. However, his groundbreaking score/soundtrack to director Ridley Scott's 1982 dystopian science fiction classic Blade Runner remains his most acclaimed work.

Vangelis continued releasing music throughout the 80's, including the minimalist electronic work "Invisible Connections" (1985) and albums closer to synth pop, such as 1988's "Direct". He achieved further international success with his score for the 1992 film 1492: Conquest Of Paradise.

Vangelis issued the choral symphony "Mythodea" in 2001, used by NASA as theme music for the Mars Odyssey mission that year. He later composed music for the 2012 stage adaptation of Chariots Of Fire, and resumed releasing studio albums with 2016's "Rosetta". 2021's Juno to Jupiter was inspired by NASA's Juno space probe mission.