Summon the Heroes

by

Various Artists

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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.