1492: the Conquest of Paradise – A theme composed by Vangelis for the movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise, directed by Ridley Scott, as a 500th anniversary commemoration of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World and the discovery of America. Vangelis’ score was nominated as “Best Original Score – Motion Picture” at the 1993 Golden Globe awards.
In 1492 Vangelis does it again: this is one of the most memorable soundtracks in the history of films. The title track is sheer brilliance, with its eminently humble central melody and rousing, dramatic vocals. Conquest of Paradise on the soundtrack is a. blend of orchestral electronics, choral vocals with additions of folk melodies and renaissance overtones. In this score Vangelis adds to his collection of of exceptional soundtracks.
Three tracks of this album contain lyrics. In “Monastery of La Rabida” and “Deliverance”, the choir sings Latin hymns (“De Profundis” and “Dies Irae, respectively”). In “Conquest of Paradise” Vangelis used a pseudo-Latin invented language.
The album went on to climb to #1 on the sales charts of several countries. It was certified gold or platinum in over 20 countries, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, the UK and Canada. The album became the biggest selling record in Germany’s chart history , remaining in the charts for over a year, with Vangelis winning that country’s Echo Award for International Artist of the Year 1995, as well as the Golden Lion for Best Film Soundtrack. In France the album was certified double platinum in 2001 for sales over 600 000 copies.