Sad news to report. Icelandic composer/musician Jóhann Jóhannsson died yesterday in Berlin. He was just 48. News of his death was confirmed by his manager Tim Husom. “I’m so very sad,” said Husom in a press statement. “Today, I lost my friend who was one of the most talented musicians and intelligent people I knew. We came a long way together.”
The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency provided the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our client and dear friend Jóhann Jóhannsson, whose great talent, humility and kindness enriched our lives immeasurably. His music has inspired many new generations of filmmakers and composers. He will be so greatly missed by his Gorfaine/Schwartz family as well as the entire film music community.”
During his career Jóhannsson won a Golden Globe and received BAFTA and Grammy nominations for his work.
Jóhannsson composed music for theater, dance and television. His released his first solo album, Englabörn, in 2002. He later went on to release Virðulegu Forsetar in 2004, Fordlândia in 2008, IBM 1401 – A User’s Manual in 2006, The Miners’ Hymns in 2010 and Orphée in 2016. In 2015, Drone Mass, Jóhannsson’s piece for a string quartet, electronics and vocal ensemble, premiered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
We’ll have more on this developing story.
Johann Johansson has been such an influence, especially lately. I’m in disbelief. The stuff he did for @panoscosmatos “Mandy” is incredible.
— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) 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
Awful news about Johann. His thoughtful and moving work survives him. Going to listen to the beautiful Virðulegu Forsetar now. https://t.co/MnD5zi7LJ6
— Max Richter (@maxrichtermusic) February 10, 2018