Tributes have been paid to award-winning film composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, who has died aged 48. He was found dead in his Berlin apartment on Friday (February 9).
“Today, I lost my friend who was one of the most talented musicians and intelligent people I knew,” said Tim Husom, Jóhannsson’s manager and president of Redbird Management.
The Icelandic composer and producer combined classical instrumentation with electronic music. In 2015, he won the Golden Globe for his original score to The Theory Of Everything, which also earned him an Oscar nomination.
Jóhannsson received further Oscar and BAFTA nominations for his scores to films including Arrival and Sicario.
Alongside his collaborations with Hollywood directors, Jóhannsson released a series of solo recordings. He was signed to UMG’s Deutsche Grammophon, while earlier albums were released via 4AD and Touch. He was signed to Mute Song for publishing.
David McGinnis, head of Mute Song, said: "Mute Song are devastated by the loss of a wonderful artist and friend. Our thoughts are with the family of Jóhann Jóhannsson at this tragic time and also with the wonderful collection of artists around the world who collaborated with Jóhann and supported his unique and enduring genius."
Deutsche Grammophon said: "The team at Deutsche Grammophon are in deep mourning over the loss of our friend, Jóhann Jóhannsson. In the three years of our close collaboration, a true friendship had grown. The power of his music will live on and continue to touch us."
His side projects include Apparat Organ Quartet and the electronic music collective Evil Madness. He also collaborated with artists including Marc Almond, Barry Adamson, Pan Sonic, Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab and Jaki Liebezeit of Can.
Tributes have been paid to Jóhannsson by fellow artists and the music industry.
he team at Deutsche Grammophon are in deep mourning over the loss of our friend, Jóhann Jóhannsson. In the three years of our close collaboration, a true friendship had grown. The power of his music will live on and continue to touch us. pic.twitter.com/5Wzz8XOIj1
— Deutsche Grammophon (@DGclassics) February 10, 2018
So sad to learn that our friend the brilliant composer and artist Jóhann Jóhannsson has passed away. He made so much beautiful music. I hoped we might work together at some point. Sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. Neil x #PetText pic.twitter.com/JJ6kQaUY8B
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) February 11, 2018
One of the finest composers in the world. We are very sad to hear about the passing of Jóhann Jóhannsson, RIP. pic.twitter.com/5gLgKICm8q
— Ninja Tune (@ninjatune) February 10, 2018
goodbye dear @JohannJohannss. thanks for all you brought into this world.
— nils frahm (@nilsfrahm) February 11, 2018
you will be greatly missed by all of us.https://t.co/E3aH987Y8G
We are very sad to hear the news of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s passing. It was an absolute privilege to work with him and we’ll miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
— 4AD (@4AD_Official) February 10, 2018
Photo by Jónatan Grétarsson. pic.twitter.com/22JRdJ71tD
“An absolutely brilliant composer... his soundtrack work is known for its great tenderness. He has an incredible ability to elevate the unseen human element...”
— BBC Radio 6 Music (@BBC6Music) February 11, 2018
— @maryannehobbs pays tribute to Jóhann Jóhannsson https://t.co/XAsj0GjTju pic.twitter.com/YcLhMUNThN
Very saddened to hear that Jóhann Jóhannsson passed away, he was very talented, it is a great loss. RIP
— Ludovico Einaudi (@LudovicoEinaud) February 10, 2018
I'm saddned to hear of the passing of Johann Johannson. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones. https://t.co/7YmgoGBZ89
— Clint Mansell (@iamclintmansell) February 10, 2018