· Classical
The Olympic Games: the most memorable musical performances
The 32nd Summer Olympic Games kicked off in Tokyo on July 23 and focused the attention of sports lovers on this event. While sports fans are actively following this great sports review, Armenian National Music presents the most impressive music performances featured in the opening or closing ceremonies of the Olympics.
Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah (London 1948)
One of the most recognizable choruses in classical music, Handel’s glorious "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Messiah oratorio performed in the London 1948 Olympics. As it was close to the end of World War Two, British composers and their music were featured for the Olympic games in 1948.
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (Los Angeles 1984)
In 1984, at the Los Angeles Olympics, the attention of spectators was centered around George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This spectacular version of Gershwin’s beloved jazz symphony was Olympian indeed, with a truly team-sized 84 pianists enlisted to take on the solo piano part.
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé duet (Barcelona 1992)
A pop-rock icon posthumously joined forces with operatic royalty for the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. ‘Barcelona’ – which was previously recorded by Queen’s Freddie Mercury and legendary soprano Montserrat Caballé in 1987, and performed live in Barcelona in 1988 when the Olympic flag arrived from Seoul. Sadly, Mercury passed away before the Barcelona games took place, and in 1992 Caballé went on stage and performed alone in the opening ceremony, with Mercury’s unmistakable vocals accompanying her while a video of them together played on the big screen.
Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma” (Turin 2006)
At Italy’s 2006 Winter Olympics, the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti wrapped his vocal cords around a belting rendition of the aria he’s most famous for: "Nessun Dorma", from Puccini’s opera Turandot. This was Luciano Pavarotti's last performance for his favorite audience․ He died a year later of cancer.
2008 drummers (Beijing 2008)
In the dark of night, a clap of thunder from 2008 fou drummers (Chinese percussion instrument), marked the start of a drum spectacular. These traditional musical instruments, which looked like laundry baskets and were lit from within, were used to play a sweeping drum song by musicians using flailing glowing red sticks to beat in time to a light show sequenced by a computer. The rhythmic movements of the percussionists, filling the floor of the stadium known as the Bird’s Nest, created a stunning spectacle of music and movement in the opening ceremony of Olympics 2008.
Lang Lang effect (Beijing 2008)
Pianist Lang Lang took on Chinese composer Xinghai’s Yellow River Cantata at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. After the world-famous pianist performed it with five-year-old Li Muzi, 40 million Chinese children took up piano lessons as part of what is now known as the “Lang Lang Effect”.
London Symphony, Simon Rattle and Mr. Bean (London 2012)
At the opening of the London Olympics, one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the appearance of the most famous English comedian, Mr. Bean. But here we want to mention the performance of the London Symphony, conducted by the great conductor Simon Rattle. Rowan Atkinson "performed" with the orchestra the soundtrack of the film "Chariot Fire", written by Greek composer Vangelis.
Handel’s "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah (London 1948)
One of the most recognizable choruses in classical music, Handel’s glorious "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Messiah oratorio performed in the London 1948 Olympics. As it was close to the end of World War Two, British composers and their music were featured for the Olympic games in 1948.
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (Los Angeles 1984)
In 1984, at the Los Angeles Olympics, the attention of spectators was centered around George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This spectacular version of Gershwin’s beloved jazz symphony was Olympian indeed, with a truly team-sized 84 pianists enlisted to take on the solo piano part.
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé duet (Barcelona 1992)
A pop-rock icon posthumously joined forces with operatic royalty for the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. ‘Barcelona’ – which was previously recorded by Queen’s Freddie Mercury and legendary soprano Montserrat Caballé in 1987, and performed live in Barcelona in 1988 when the Olympic flag arrived from Seoul. Sadly, Mercury passed away before the Barcelona games took place, and in 1992 Caballé went on stage and performed alone in the opening ceremony, with Mercury’s unmistakable vocals accompanying her while a video of them together played on the big screen.
Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma” (Turin 2006)
At Italy’s 2006 Winter Olympics, the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti wrapped his vocal cords around a belting rendition of the aria he’s most famous for: "Nessun Dorma", from Puccini’s opera Turandot. This was Luciano Pavarotti's last performance for his favorite audience․ He died a year later of cancer.
2008 drummers (Beijing 2008)
In the dark of night, a clap of thunder from 2008 fou drummers (Chinese percussion instrument), marked the start of a drum spectacular. These traditional musical instruments, which looked like laundry baskets and were lit from within, were used to play a sweeping drum song by musicians using flailing glowing red sticks to beat in time to a light show sequenced by a computer. The rhythmic movements of the percussionists, filling the floor of the stadium known as the Bird’s Nest, created a stunning spectacle of music and movement in the opening ceremony of Olympics 2008.
Lang Lang effect (Beijing 2008)
Pianist Lang Lang took on Chinese composer Xinghai’s Yellow River Cantata at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. After the world-famous pianist performed it with five-year-old Li Muzi, 40 million Chinese children took up piano lessons as part of what is now known as the “Lang Lang Effect”.
London Symphony, Simon Rattle and Mr. Bean (London 2012)
At the opening of the London Olympics, one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the appearance of the most famous English comedian, Mr. Bean. But here we want to mention the performance of the London Symphony, conducted by the great conductor Simon Rattle. Rowan Atkinson "performed" with the orchestra the soundtrack of the film "Chariot Fire", written by Greek composer Vangelis.
