I just love John Williams Olympic music , Ive been wanting to listen to his Summon the Heroes cd since the Olympics started and I just did. His Summon the Heroes, Olympic Fanfare and Olympic Spirit cues are just fantastic. Just wanted to share that. sd
ok Thor you can post the thread where this was discussed before now.
Since you guys brought this up I do like Williams Oympic themes. BUT (and I know i'm a small minority here) I'm actually a bit tired of the Olympic theme played ad nauseum for the winter Olympics on NBC.
Seriously, I love his Olympic music too, particularly when the march finally settles into a percussive groove in the extended "Summon the Heroes". I wish his Winter Games fanfare would be released some day.
I love his olympic themes as well. Everytime I hear his 1984 Olympic Fanfare and Summon the Heroes I conjure images of Captain America kicking ass! Speaking of America...
A few years back I attended a Johnny concert at Tanglewood and a Gentleman named Ron Raines came out and sang this song called: America - The dream goes on. Oh man, did that song light a fire in my heart! Mr. Raines' baritone voice was fantastic. This song should be our new national anthem!
I found a John Denver version but I would love a professional recording of this rousing song. Someday perhaps...
A few years back I attended a Johnny concert at Tanglewood and a Gentleman named Ron Raines came out and sang this song called: America - The dream goes on. I found a John Denver version but I would love a professional recording of this rousing song. Someday perhaps...
Uhm...if this is the Williams piece by that same name, it was composed in 1982. It has been recorded a couple of times, and is available on at least two compilations (one of them with the Boston Pops...I believe it is called "American Classics").
There's also at least one CD with a wind ensemble version out there. The one I have is on the Altissimo label, fetauring the US Navy Band & Sea Chorus. I probably got it off eBay...
Oddly enough, the first time I heard this was when my high school did it at its 100th year celebration.
Thor, Yes, I am aware of that recording. But it sounds different from the version I heard and the one that John Denver also sang. By the way, what is the other compilation?
Thor, Yes, I am aware of that recording. But it sounds different from the version I heard and the one that John Denver also sang. By the way, what is the other compilation?
I wish I could get a track by track breakdown of who composed what for the games. I can identify 'Summon the Heroes,' but was never sure about the other stuff NBC puts in their rotation. Is virtually all of it Williams?
The thing with the timpani and trumpets is by Leo Arnaud, called "Bugler's Dream." The very long melodic thing that's very bold...can't think of how else to describe it...is Randy Edelman's theme to The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
The repeating trumpet fanfare is Williams's Olympic Spirit, and the more florishy one is his Olympic Fanfare and Theme.
America - The dream goes on. Oh man, did that song light a fire in my heart! Mr. Raines' baritone voice was fantastic. This song should be our new national anthem!
I believe that was the choral piece that provoked titters from the Pops musicians when it was first introduced to them. In an uncharacteristic outburst, Williams walked off and quit the Pops. Fortunately, the players later apologized, and they went on to make beautiful music together for several more years.
I think it's a revealing episode. Some may accuse Williams of sentimentality, but nobody can doubt that the the music really comes from his heart.
I just love John Williams Olympic music , Ive been wanting to listen to his Summon the Heroes cd since the Olympics started and I just did. His Summon the Heroes, Olympic Fanfare and Olympic Spirit cues are just fantastic. Just wanted to share that. sd
Moontrekker....just wait until you get a listen to "Bugler's Dream" by Leo Arnaud. From the Capitol LP "Charge" conducted by Felix Slatkin. You'll swear your watching the Olympics on ABC again.
Anyone else familiar with this piece of music? A TV Olympic staple for years.
