This was one of the most mind-blowing musical discoveries I had in 2014. I only heard about this recently from Guy Veale and Ben Soundhog (thanks!) although it apparently came to light 2 years ago. 12 hours of unheard Vangelis music soundtracking films of various surgical operation films with explanatory dialogue from top neurosurgeon Dr Sergios Tegos. Originally available in 1998 as an expensive set of three 4 hour video tapes plus large book in a case and only available to practicing surgeons via Dr. Tegos. Vangelis was friends with the surgeon and had recorded music specifically for these tapes from special requests, as the subject matter could be ‘monotonous’.

Here’s a great story about the Vangelis collector who found them after years of looking and here’s Dr Tegos‘ web page with the whole set of films (cut down to 9+ hours now). Click the DVD images for films – Warning! graphic keyhole surgery! Even buy a set if you’re a practicing surgeon and want to go all the way.

If you’re not that flush and don’t have your certificate of neurosurgery yet, a very kind Soundcloud user named Nev Dorrington has edited most of the tapes down to just the music and put them on his page. I can recommend Edits 3, 4, 6, 13, 14, 17, 23, 16 and 33 if you fancy ambiance in the style of Vangelis’ Blade Runner score.
Happy New Year!