Chariots of Fire - Titles by Vangelis

Album: Chariots of Fire Soundtrack (1982)

Charted: 12 1

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Songfacts®:

This is a piano piece written and performed by Greek composer Evangelos Papathanassiou. "Vangelis" was a lot easier to pronounce.
Prior to his work on "Chariots of Fire," Vangelis was best-known for his work with Aphrodite's Child (a band that also featured the "singing sofa" Demis Roussos) and the duo Jon and Vangelis ("Jon" was Jon Anderson of Yes). >>>
Suggestion credit:
Geoff - Morecambe, England
On the original release, the name of the song was "Titles." Two months later, the name was changed to "Chariots of Fire - Titles" >>>
Suggestion credit:
Brad Wind - Miami, FL
This was written for the 1981 movie about two runners in the 1924 Olympics. It was used in a classic scene where they are running in slow motion. The scene has been spoofed many times, usually with this music used to complete the joke.
Not long after the soundtrack's release, Vangelis admitted his total inability to read or write music. He wrote this one literally playing by ear. >>>
Suggestion credit:
S.D. - Denver, CO
This was used on The Office in the season 4 episode "Local Ad." It plays in the commercial Michael and the Scranton staff create for Dunder Mifflin.

Comments: 18

Miles from Vancouver, CanadaOne of the most perfect melodies ever composed...and it's hard to believe Vangelis never learned to read music. May he rest in peace.
Jennifur Sun from RamonaAlways amazed me how many professional musicians can't read or write music. Jay try google, or your library system they may have song books with the music in it.
Camille from Toronto, OhWhat a beautiful song. Very compelling. Sometimes when I wake in the middle of the night and can't fall back to sleep, I play this song in my mind. It relaxes me till I do fall back asleep. One of my all time favorite instrumentals.
Mike from Rochester, NyThe title of both the song and the movie come from the lyrics of an old English hymn "Jeruselem"(covered in the 70's by Emerson, Lake and Palmer) -- "Bring me my bow of burning gold, bring me my arrows of desire, bring me my spear, O clouds unfold, bring me my chariot of fire."
Dylan from Port Orange, FlRoll the corny inspirational music!!!
Brandon from Peoria, IlRobert, another movie like that is "A Knight's Tale"
Rob from Vancouver, CanadaIf you're making out with a babe, whatever music is playing becomes great "make-out" music.
Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumGreat film, great song, one of the better instrumental songs.
Pete from Nowra, AustraliaMelissa you have to be there!!!!!!
Kristina from Houston, Txthis was the first song i ever learned to play on the piano. i love it!
Mike from Chicago, IlOne of my favorite instrumental pieces of all time. The second verse where the synthesizer kicks in is my favorite part of this song.
Robert from Puyallup, Wa"Chariots Of Fire" was a great movie. It's a rare film that dares to use music that is 'out of period', in this case, synthesizer music to score a film that is set in the '20's. Other good examples of this are "The Sting" which is set in the '30's, but uses Scott Joplin's ragtime pieces from the 1900's. Another is "Ladyhawke" which is set in the Middle Ages, but has a rock music score.
Melissa from Happy Place, KsNo, Pete. This is not a great make out song.
Monty from Omaha, NeGreat make out song?
Mark from Dundee, ScotlandGreat song! When I hear it, I always go all "reflective" ie remembering thngs that have happened in my life!!!
Pete from Nowra, Australiagreat make out song
Jay from Humble, TxWhere do I find the notes of this beautiful song?
Jay,TX
Joseph from Livonia, MiThis song in my view is the best and most inspirational song I have ever heard.

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