Recreating The Iconic Sounds Of Vangelis On Yamaha CS-80
Synthesist Andy Whitmore – in his latest video – takes a look at recreating some of the most iconic sounds of Vangelis, using a Yamaha CS-80 and modern effects.
“In this video, I play 8 classic Vangelis riffs on my original CS-80, matching both the synth tones and the iconic effects vibe as closely as possible,” says Whitmore. “This is the CS-80 as it was meant to be heard: huge, cinematic, and dripping in Blade Runner / Chariots energy.”
While Whitmore gets very close with his choice of sound design, using the original instrument and adding a Vangelis-style effects chain, these attempts often have an ‘uncanny valley’ aspect to then. When you know the recordings of Vangelis and have listened to them for years, any difference seem to pop out.
Of Whitmore’s recreations, the Blade Runner Brass patch and String Pad, the To The Unknown Man Intro, and the Blade Runner Flute Intro sound about as close to the original as any recreations we’ve heard. Ultimately, though, we think recreating iconic synth recordings like this is a fantastic way to expand your sound design skills, and a great way to gain an extra layer of depth in your appreciation of the originals.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Melody
00:54 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line
02:05 Vangelis – Blade Runner String Pad
03:06 Jon & Vangelis – I Hear You Now Main Theme
04:39 Vangelis – Chariots Of Fire Brass Lick
05:16 Vangelis – To the Unknown Man Intro Melody
06:47 Vangelis – Blade Runner Flute Intro Line
08:14 Vangelis – Blade Runner Brass Line (no bass)
09:10 Outro
Watch the video, and share your thoughts on it in the comments!
