The Barbican has announced that it’ll be showcasing the late composer’s multimedia piece Last and First Men.
Based on Olaf Stapledon’s science fiction novel of the same name, the project explores themes of memory and loss through music and film. A 16mm black and white film will depict a “decaying futuristic landscape”, soundtracked by a haunting score from Jóhannsson, performed live by the LSO under conductor Daníel Bjarnason. Filmed in the former Yugoslav republics, the film will feature narration from Tilda Swinton.
The press release states: “After consultation with Jóhann’s family and estate, it has been agreed to go ahead with the performance, in tribute to him. Jóhann will not be replaced with another musician in this concert, but recordings that he made of his own parts will be used instead.”
In February, the Oscar-nominated composer passed away, aged 48. Jóhannsson was one of Hollywood’s most in-demand composers, having won a Golden Globe for his work on The Theory of Everything. He also earned numerous Oscar and BAFTA award nominations, and scored the films Sicario, Arrival and, wrote an – ultimately unused – score for Darren Aronofsky’s mother! In 2017, the composer was due to score Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049. However, it was later reported that he was no longer involved with the project.
Last and First Men took the composer seven years to construct, and it first premiered at Manchester International Festival last year. The event will take place on 1 December at Barbican Hall. Tickets are on sale now.
Listen to our tribute mix to the late composer, from Dave Howell.
