The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music: The 2012 Summer Olympic Games officially open in London today – and here is guide to all you need to know about music and the Olympics.

By Jacob Stockinger

Today is the official opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Sure, some of the events have already started. But the really big American and even global audiences will begin today and tonight with the broadcasting of the always spectacular opening ceremony and Parade of Nations.

Beyond the ever-present and irresistible trumpet fanfare, music has always played a major role in the modern Olympics Games right from their beginning at the end of the 19^th century in Greece through Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing and now London.

Composers such as Leo Arnaud,  Miwaukee-born Michael Torke (below), Philip Glass, John Williams and Leonard Bernstein have all written occasional music for the Olympic Games.

But the Olympics have also played a role in pushing non-classical and classical composers composers closer together, and in fostering “fusion” music that mixes genres, by incorporating composers as diverse as Ravi Shankar, Sir Edward Elgar and Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen.

So, NPR’s terrific “Deceptive Cadence” blog has done it again by offering readers a thorough and engaging history of music and the Olympics — complete with many audio clips.

Here is a link to the in-depth story done by blog master Tom Huizenga that aired on Thursday’s edition of “All Things Considered.”

http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2012/07/26/157235593/a-know-it-alls-guide-to-olympic-music

I hope you find this as enjoyable and informative as The Ear did.

And if you have additional information or questions, be sure leave something in the COMMENT section.

And finally here is my favorite piece of Olympics music: “Javelin” by Michael Torke.

What Olympics music most moves you?

Let the Games Begin.