Music has served as a vital tool for drawing attention to social and historical moments. This is especially true when considering the music featured in sporting events like Baseball, Football, and the World Cup Soccer tournament (otherwise known as “the other Football”). When it comes to the Olympics, which most of the world is currently watching, there have been countless pieces and popular songs written for both the summer and winter variants of the occasion. To clarify, “the Olympics” refers to the modern version since 1896 based on the ancient Greek competitions. Rosie Pentreath notes that the first modern Olympics, which took place in Athens, Greece featured the premiere of the "Olympic Hymn" by Spyridon Samaras (composer) and Kostis Palamas (lyricist). Pieces written for the Olympics are often commissioned by members of the Olympic Committee or for televised broadcasts and are intended to convey the strength, determination, and global unity of the competition.
I would be remiss if I also did not include the "Olympics Theme Song" (Bugler's Dream") by Leo Arnaut (1904-1991) and “Olympic Fanfare” by film score coposer John Williams (b. 1932). According to Griffin Harrison, these pieces have been used for televised broadcasts of the Olympics since the 1960s and 80s: the first theme initially used by ABC and the second used by NBC. It was not until the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia that NBC decided to combine the two themes
Notice that I said that popular songs have also been written for the Olympics. This illustrates the inclusivity of multiple musical genres beyond Classical. Over the decades, many performing artists have tried their hand at writing songs that attempt to capture the exhilaration of the sporting events: some songs done well, others poorly executed. The Olympics theme song “Reach” by Gloria Estefan stands out to me: in part, because it was written to commemorate the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. That specific event holds a place in my childhood memory, because I remember physically witnessing part of the “Running of the Torch” throughout the state of Georgia while I was living in the city of Columbus at the time. “Reach” is also a memorable theme song because the material focuses on more than just sports. It is about perseverance and aiming for success and goals in life.
I would be remiss if I also did not include the "Olympics Theme Song" (Bugler's Dream") by Leo Arnaut (1904-1991) and “Olympic Fanfare” by film score coposer John Williams (b. 1932). According to Griffin Harrison, these pieces have been used for televised broadcasts of the Olympics since the 1960s and 80s: the first theme initially used by ABC and the second used by NBC. It was not until the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia that NBC decided to combine the two themes
Notice that I said that popular songs have also been written for the Olympics. This illustrates the inclusivity of multiple musical genres beyond Classical. Over the decades, many performing artists have tried their hand at writing songs that attempt to capture the exhilaration of the sporting events: some songs done well, others poorly executed. The Olympics theme song “Reach” by Gloria Estefan stands out to me: in part, because it was written to commemorate the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. That specific event holds a place in my childhood memory, because I remember physically witnessing part of the “Running of the Torch” throughout the state of Georgia while I was living in the city of Columbus at the time. “Reach” is also a memorable theme song because the material focuses on more than just sports. It is about perseverance and aiming for success and goals in life.
Photo by Alex Smith on Unsplash
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