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When Chariots of Fire was released in 1981, it came with a unique soundtrack by Vangelis. At that time, putting a soundtrack of electronic music on a period film was unheard of. The music worked, though, because of the simple, beautiful melodies and the way Vangelis used synthesizers in an orchestral way.

Chariots of Fire captures Vangelis at the peak of his early sound. While no one will have escaped the catchy main theme, there is a lot of other music on Chariots of Fire that is not as well known, but that holds up well after twenty years. The first five tracks introduce the main themes that were used in the film. After the "Titles", "Five Circles" is a quiet, pensive them. It's played with a synthesized brass sound that sounds vaguely like a french horn. "Abraham's Theme" is another reflective song. It's played with the bell-like tone of Fender Rhodes piano. The main theme is simple and folk-like. Vangelis adds tension by adding a variety of strange synth sounds in the background.

"Eric's Theme" is classic Vangelis, with a simple melody supported by synth strings, wordless vocals, and orchestral percussion. The music is tastefully arranged, and is one of the best examples of Vangelis creating a large orchestral sound by combining synthesizers with acoustic percussion. "Eric's Theme" builds to a huge crescendo, and then modulates to another key and builds to another great crescendo. This track captures the full glory of the Olympics.

The next cut is the abstract "100 Metres". This cut sounds like it could be straight off of Vangelis' CD Beaubourg. This abstract music captures the tension and focus of the runners as they prepare for, and run their races. This fades into the next track, "Jerusalem", which is a straightforward take on the traditional tune.

The highlight of the album is the long track "Chariots of Fire". This music is inspired by the movie, but not taken directly from it. The music is a sort of new-age piano concerto or fantasy. The work is vaguely programmatic, inspired by the events of the movie.

It starts with the sounds of surf, and a synthesized french horn that plays the main title theme. The "Titles" them is then introduced on piano, with synthesized orchestral support. Vangelis treats it very freely and interweaves other themes from the movie. Vangelis captures all of the emotions of the movie, but puts them together into a grand symphonic electronic fantasy.

Chariots of Fire is a landmark of movie music, won the Academy Award for best soundtrack, and holds up well as a great example of symphonic electronic music.

Vangelis

1/17/2004

Vangelis is one of the most acclaimed electronic musicians of all time. He has recorded a great variety of music over the last thirty years, won the academy award for musical score, composed hit songs, and written the scores for several ballets. Vangelis is best known for his music featured in the television show Cosmos, and his scores to movies. His scores include Chariots of Fire, The Bounty, and Blade Runner.

Synthtopia Reviews of Vangelis' Music

Vangelis - 1492 Conquest of Paradise

2/19/2004

Conquest of Paradise is a sumptious combination of orchestral electronica, folk melodies, choral vocals and renaissance influences.

Vangelis - Alexander Soundtrack

11/18/2004

Alexander, the soundtrack to the Oliver Stone biopic, features Vangelis at his best. It is a rousing score, a satisfying album, and a likely Oscar contender.

Vangelis - Beaubourg

12/7/2003

This is one of Vangelis' most daring and experimental pieces. Listeners that love Vangelis experimental side will love it, while listeners that like his new age side will be covering their ears.

Vangelis - Blade Runner

2/20/2004

Blade Runner is a science fiction classic, and it has a classic electronica score to go with it.

Vangelis - Chariots of Fire

1/18/2004

Vangelis - China

12/6/2003

If you're interested in a real fusion of Chinese and western musics, this isn't it. But if you like the music of Vangelis, China is work from one of his creative peaks.

Vangelis - Direct

1/17/2004

This 1988 Vangelis CD is a bridge between the symphonic electronica sound that Vangelis made popular in the eighties and is current, more dense orchestral sound. Direct is a mixture of electronica, new age, space music, and folk sounds, mixed together in the unique style of Vangelis.

Vangelis - Heaven and Hell

1/3/2004

This 1975 recording is the first time Vangelis fully realized his lush orchestral style. The music contrasts images of heaven and hell. After nearly 30 years, it holds up as a classic of electronic music.

Vangelis - Oceanic

4/18/2004

Oceanic is a collection of tone poems with Ocean themes. On this 1996 release, Vangelis creates a soothing 50 minute journey through deep oceanic spaces, sounding a bit like a Hearts of Space show. The new age music showcases his wonderful ear for melodies and lush synthetic orchestration, but does not have the edge or sense of experimentation that marks his best work.

Vangelis - Opera Sauvage

11/22/2003

Vangelis' Opera Sauvage is one of the classics of popular electronic music.

Vangelis - See You Later

1/3/2004

This CD is one of the strangest that Vangelis has ever created. The music is the soundtrack to a dystopian future, or maybe just the ugly side of the present. This cult record is not for the new age fans, but Blade Runner freaks and people who like the darker side of electronic music will find a lot to like.

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