Track Listing

1. Titles
2. Five Circles
3. Abraham's Theme
4. Eric's Theme
5. 100 Metres
6. Jerusalem
7. Chariots Of Fire

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10540 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Original language: English, French

Amazon.com essential recording
Most everyone is familiar with the romantic piano-and-synthesizer washes of the surprise instrumental hit "Titles (Main Theme)" from this 1981 film soundtrack. What is surprising is there's a lot more going on with this score. Greek keyboardist/composer had been recording albums for years before this soundtrack catapulted him into fame. He'd even been asked to join the prog rock band Yes at one point. He was wise to pass on the offer. Here you can hear the breadth of his talent at creating dreamy moods with synthesizers and classically inspired backdrops. Some of this music, however, doesn't quite hold its own without the visuals. Anyone looking for a stronger, more rock-like record by Vangelis should pick up Albedo 0.39. --Larry Crane

Amazon.com
One of the most memorable soundtracks of all time, Vangelis's Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire is such a landmark, it's become the stuff of parody whenever someone wants to punch a hole through sloppy sentimentality. But just go back to this 1981 film to relive a perfect marriage of image and music. Vangelis captures the heroism, grandeur, and pain of this racing drama, from the opulent main "Titles" theme with its echoing snare drum and piano cadences to the electronically abstract setting of Sir Charles H.H. Parry's choral work, "Jerusalem." Vangelis's score hangs suspended between orchestral lushness and electronic mood, sweetness tempered by the underlying psychological themes of the film. Often forgotten on this album is the extemporaneous title suite that, in the days of LPs, took up the second side of the album. Here, Vangelis explores some of the film's music cues at length, weaving them into a minor keyboard symphony. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Graet movies always have great music
The experts always remind us the the music supporting a movie should be subtle, understated and unobtrusive.

The soundtrack to Chariots of Fire not only meets and exceeds the above criteria it also stands firmly on its own.

This CD, I believe, would be a winner even if it had not been heard by millions the world over as part of their theater going experience.

Pop this disk into you favorite CD player, curl up in your favorite chair with a good book or magazine and let your ears become your source of relaxation for an hour or so. And, by the way, you may just see well conditioned and highly motivated men running on the beach.

Danny R. Morrow

Chariots of Fire
My husband really loved this movie. He likes to read also and enjoyed the book.

Vangelis Masterpiece !
Vangelis score for Charriots of Fire is imho the most celebrated work of the composer...The score defines perfectly the essence and spirit of the film.....I highly recommend this Cd....