I tend towards hyperbole and superlatives when it comes to artists/bands that I like, but when it comes to Florian Fricke aka Popul Vuh, we are talking about a bona fide genius. The summary on discogs is OK, but more than a little understated.
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Popol+Vuh
There are, perhaps, four phases in the works of Florian Fricke; as the first person in Germany to own a synthesiser (one of the originals which probably took half a fair sized room to accomodate), his initials albums were electronic soundscapes that could perhaps be considered as both ambient and religious in terms of their atmosphere. He was unsatisfied with pure electronics and flogged the synthesiser to Klaus Schulze before most anybody else had encountered one. There then follows several absolutely beautiful works based upon an eastern religious ethos - tantric music featuring Fricke on guitar and piano. He worked closely with Werner Herzog, resulting in the release of several film soundtracks for iconic films such as Nosferatu, Cobra Verde and Fitzcarraldo. The films are masterpieces as are the soundtracks. In the years immediately prior to his death, he produced a number of albums that were more electronic and, in a weird way, almost dance music orientated.
Where to start with Popul Vuh? I'd strongly recommend "Hosianna Mantra", "Brüder Des Schattens - Söhne Des Lichts" and "Sei Still wisse ICH BIN". These are all exquisite recordings.
