One record at a time: 442. Vangelis - Antarctica

"Antarctica" is the score for the Japanese film of the same name that was released in 1983. For a long time I was only familiar with the main theme from this album as it was featured on 'sound-alike' compilations such as "Synthesizer Greatest" or Project D's "Synthesizer 2". When I did finally hear the original I found it very impressive and understood why it would be considered amongst Vangelis's best work. 

As we drop the needle I am immediately struck by fact that Vangelis seems to be using a sampler for the first time. From what I have read, Vangelis bought his EMU Emulator with the intention of replacing his drum machine with samples played from the keyboard. However the rather primitive sampling technology of the time meant that the Emulator wasn't responsive enough for Vangelis and was demoted to providing percussion sounds alone. 

The sampled timpani on the opening theme are used alongside a conventional string machine and burbling analogue bass. As for the distinctive melody, there are various theories relating to how the sound was created. Some believe it is a sample of a guzheng, others think it is derived from the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer and some theorise it is a combination of the two. Personally, I have no clue. I just know it isn't the "Koto" preset from a Roland D-10 that I used to try to play along with when I was younger.

Having just listened to the full seven and a half minute version of the theme I am struck by how much better it sounds in its unedited form. If you’ve only ever heard the version on the compilations "Themes", "Odyssey" or "Portraits" then I encourage you to seek out the original as it is a truly wondrous composition.  

Another standout piece is "Antarctic Echoes" in which Vangelis uses the distinctive electric piano preset of the Yamaha CS-80 and the choir sound from the Roland VP-330 to reimagine the main theme. This song seems to hang in the air as if suspended by invisible threads - it is very impressive indeed. I also like "Life or Antarctica" which is a highly atmospheric track with a strong melody and the distinctive timpani samples that seem to be the hallmark of this album. 

I have never seen the film this soundtrack is taken from so I have absolutely no idea if the music is appropriate for the visuals, but it has never really summed up images of desolate snowy landscapes in my mind.  Still this is impressive music and a record I should revisit more often than I do. 4/5