Track Listing

1. Summon the Heroes [First Recording] - Boston Pops Orchestra
2. O Fortuna [From Carmina Burana] - Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
3. Bugler's Dream/Olympic Fanfare and Theme - Boston Pops Orchestra
4. Ode to Zeus [From Canto Olympico] - Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
5. Javelin - Boston Pops Orchestra
6. Olympic Hymn [First Recording] - Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
7. Festive Overture, Op. 96 - Boston Pops Orchestra
8. Conquest of Paradise - Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus
9. Parade of Charioteers [From Ben Hur] - Boston Pops Orchestra
10. Toward a New Life - Boston Pops Orchestra
11. Chariots of Fire (Theme) - John Williams/Boston Pops Orchestra
12. Olympic Spirit [First Recording] - Boston Pops Orchestra

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20808 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2000-08-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Customer Reviews

A Recording of Olympic Proportions
As I am writing the review, the 2004 Olympic Games are underway and the thrill and excitement that is as much a part of the Olympics as the events themselves will be sweeping the world. The Olympics have a way of making so many of us, even those of us who are not athletes, see our world from a larger perspective. The music that evokes the Olympics likewise has to be larger than life. The music in this collection could be characterized as larger than life, and the Boston Pops Orchestra, under the baton of John Williams, brings out the largesse of the various tracks.

I purchased this collection primarily for the various Olympic themes of John Williams. This collection contains the first recording of Williams' 1988 NBC Olympic theme and listeners will quickly see that the earlier recording of the work was excerpted. Williams' music always sounds more majestic when he conducts it, and the Boston Pops is more than at home performing his music. The collection also has classical music of Olympian proportions such as "O Fortuna" from CARMINA BURANA, "Toward a New Life" by Dvorak's son in law Joseph Suk, and Shostakovich's FESTIVE OVERTURE. There is also film music included: "The Parade of the Charioteers" from BEN HUR and the main theme from CHARIOTS OF FIRE. Each track is performed well and lives up to the standards expected of this great orchestra and conductor.

In a time when our world can seem so troubled, the Olympics reminds of what our best can be. At times we need to be reminded of what the best in our world can be, this collection can help our spirits soar.

The Real Spirit
This album by John William and the Boston Pops is fantastic. It appeals across musical boundaries. Even those who do not usually listen to classical music will find it enjoyable. The title track is the first one on this CD and sets up a grandiose atmosphere. Then comes "O Fortuna," which conjures up the images of ancient heroes and battles and the coming storm of competition. There are twelve tracks in all, and the final one, "The Olympic Spirit" is transcendental. It has been played on classical music radio stations across the country over and over again. And rightly so. This is a wonderful album to listen to on any given day.

The Spirit of the Olympics
I am a high school runner. Let me tell you, I have been looking for a good inspirational CD for a very long time to listen to before I run. This is the CD. I first heard the music on this CD while watching the Olympics in 1996, then "Summon the Heroes" was in the movie "Without Limits" in 1998 (which by the way is my favorite movie). This CD is VERY inspirational. It has most of the music used by NBC in the Olympics. The best tracks are Williams' "Summon the Heroes" and the "Olympic Theme". It also has the immortal "Chariots of Fire" theme in it. If you are a runner and need some music to help you get motivated, get this CD. If you just love music, get this CD. I have goals to make the Olympic team in 2004 for Athens. I will give it my best effort, and the music in this CD is definately going to help.