Jóhann Jóhannsson

"I’m not a classical composer. I’m not a neo-classical composer. I’m just a composer writing music. Sometimes I write music for films and sometimes I write music for my own projects and I try to keep that balance fairly even." Jóhann Jóhannsson (19 September 1969 - 09 February 2018) May The All-Compassionate rest his soul. Amin.

Jóhann Jóhannsson was a singular artist, a rarity who created a new kind of musical environment. His wide vision was beyond the barriers of a music genre and surpassed definition. His authentic work was sincere, fearless, dynamic and innovative. He had the ability to create unique pieces of work by using a palette of diverse musical fusions and in essence, by expressing his emotions and thoughts into beautiful atmospheric and spacious soundscapes. Jóhann Jóhannsson created something that is quite special … compositions from the realm of the undefinable. It is an impossible task to classify or categorize his music. And perhaps, one could simply say, I listen to "Jóhann Jóhannsson Music."

His compositions have the power to take the listener on an evocative, soul-stirring and introspective journey. Some of his compositions that deal with loss, failure and tragedy induce feelings of melancholy. These feelings could be described as sublime complex states that descend and ascend through sadness and poignancy, simultaneously achingly flowing through states of solace, interwoven with a great sense of ethereal beauty, bliss and peace too. One could liken his exceptional and distinctive arresting compositions, especially his solo works, to a sublime and beautiful interior voyage. In essence, his compositions are like an invitation to our own inner or spiritual worlds. I don't think anyone can deny the transcendental power of music. And of course Jóhann Jóhannsson's music is certainly not immune from this power. Above all, we can't really express it, we can only experience this beauty, this truth … this blessedness.

It is so sad that this singular artist, who composed such exceptional, distinctive and above all beautiful music left us … so soon. Naturally, there is a great sense of sadness … but there is also gratitude too. Gratitude that we can experience Jóhann Jóhannsson's musical environment with such profound emotion, respect and love.

RIP to a G, for real. The guy was a brilliant composer.