On Air Now
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau 6am - 9am
Classical music at the Olympic Opening Ceremony 2012
Elgar, Sir Simon Rattle, Rowan Atkinson, the London Symphony Orchestra - Danny Boyle's Olympic Opening Ceremony playlist showcased the wonders of British classical music.
-
1. Elgar, Land of Hope and Glory
Elgar's classic patriotic song, 'Land of Hope and Glory' is a firm British favourite, featuring in the Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. What a fitting way to kick off the 2012 Games.
-
2. Drummond, Eton Boating Song
Played during the procession of boats, the Eton Boating Song is the best known of the school songs associated with Eton College. It's sung at the school's end of year concert and during the procession of boats, but it will now forever be remembered as an Olympic anthem.
-
3. Binge, Sailing By
An iconic British tune, composed in 1963 by Ronald Binge. We hope Ben Ainslie and the rest of the Team GB athletes are inspired to sail on by the competition to win gold medals this year.
-
4. Parry, Jerusalem
England's 'green and pleasant land' and the 'dark Satanic Mills' of the Industrial Revolution were featured in the Opening Ceremony. So what could be more fitting than a single chorister performing Parry's rousing 1916 hymn to represent the country?
-
5. Wetherly, Danny Boy
"Oh, Danny boy, oh, Danny boy, I love you so!" Set to the Irish tune of Londonderry Air by Frederic Weatherly, who couldn't resist changing the words to honour Danny Boyle's fantastic efforts?
-
6. Williamson, Flower of Scotland
Although it sounds like a traditional Scottish song, Flower of Scotland was written by folk singer Roy Williamson in 1965. The Scottish Gaelic lyrics refer to the Scottish victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
-
7. Hughes, Bread of Heaven
You may have heard this sung with great gusto at Welsh rugby matches. Bread of Heaven or Cwm Rhondda as it's known in Welsh is a popular hymn tune composed around 1905. It's a firm favourite in church services, sung to the words 'Guide me, O thou great redeemer'.
-
8. Handel, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Never mind the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Handel's opera, Solomon, what about the arrival of Queen Elizabeth? Her Royal Highness took to the skies with James Bond, Daniel Craig, and entered the Opening Ceremony by parachuting from a helicopter to open the Games.
-
9. Handel, Music for the Royal Fireworks
The spectacular fireworks display at the Opening Ceremony lit up the skies above the Olympic Park in East London. Composed in 1749, Handel's jubilant music was originally performed on the River Thames.
-
10. Elgar, Nimrod
Elgar's beautiful 'Nimrod' from his Enigma Variations is enough to bring a tear to the eye of even the least patriotic Brits. The London Symphony Orchestra's rendition from the Opening Ceremony tugged on the heartstrings right from the start.
-
-
11. Mike Oldfield, Tubular Bells/In Dulci Jubilo
The progressive rock star and composer Mike Oldfield was one of the first musicians to appear during the ceremony. He played his classic 'Tubular Bells', which featured on the 1973 album of the same name. It was the first to be released by Richard Branson's Virgin Records label, and went on to sell 17 million copies. Oldfield also played 'In dulci jubilo' ('In Sweet Rejoicing'), which is originally a Christmas carol that dates from the Middle Ages. The carol has inspired different arrangements by, among others, Robert Pearsall, JS Bach and Oldfield himself.
-
12. Vangelis, Chariots of Fire, played by London Symphony Orchestra and Rowan Atkinson
Arranged by Classic FM's Howard Goodall, the rendition of Chariots Of Fire prompted worldwide laughter during its performance. Played by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle and comically sent up by Rowan Atkinson's Mr Bean, Vangelis's soundtrack to the film of the same name will possibly never be seen in the same light again!
-
13. Vangelis, Chariots of Fire, conducted by Simon Rattle
The real star of the show, Sir Simon Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in the classic Chariots of Fire. We're sure the London Symphony Orchestra are never as badly behaved as Mr Bean during rehearsals...
-
14. Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone
Best-selling author JK Rowling played a starring role in the Opening Ceremony, but let's not forget her wonderful novel inspired John Williams' film music soundtrack for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
-
15. Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Music from the classic 1971 movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks reminded the 1 billion strong TV audience what's great about British film music.
-
-
16. William Henry Monk, Abide with me
Henry Francis Lyte's words and William Henry Monk's tune has arguably never sounded more poignant than during the London 2012 opening ceremony. Sung by pop star Emeli Sandé, the anthem was a beautiful tribute to the victims of the 7/7 terror attacks in London.
-
17. David Bowie, Heroes
David Bowie and Brian Eno's song, Heroes, written in 1977, inspired minimalist composer Philip Glass to write his Symphony No. 4, the 'Heroes' Symphony. Both would be a fitting soundtrack to welcome our team GB athletes to the stadium.
-
18. Liberty Bell March
The rousing Liberty Bell march composed in 1893 is actually an American tune, composed by John Philip Sousa. But it's now become associated with the British TV classic, Monty Python's Flying Circus, which ran from 1969-74, and used the opening bars as its comedy theme tune.
-
19. Daniel Barenboim
Superstar conductor Daniel Barenboim put down his baton and represented classical music as one of the flag-carriers at the Opening Ceremony. His recent album, Beethoven for All with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra includes all nine of Beethoven's symphonies, which Barenboim thinks unite the whole world through music - much like the Olympics unites the world through sport.
