Chariots: 25 Annivesary Edition Original Soundtrack

This version of Chariots of Fire, personally remastered by Vangelis, is a welcome edition to be sure. Many older editions, and especially vinyl records, were clearly mastered from tape reels that had a slight flutter. The sound quality of this recording is now to a level of perfection that I never imagined existed even on the original tapes.During the late 1970's, Vangelis rose to prominence in Europe with his unique efforts to fuse "classical" styles---in particular the sweeping melodies characteristic of the Romantic period---with a minimalist style that was typified by repeating "ostinato" patterns played on electronic instruments. This approach reached a pinnacle, at least for its time, with the music for Chariots of Fire. The short but effective, and now world-famous, "Titles" track crystalizes this fabulous and absolutely unique fusion of styles, as if Vangelis had channeled Wagner (the original "movie music" composer) over an electronic minimalist continuo. Still one of the most remarkable examples of innovative musical style in the 20th century, and also commendable for its early effort to create much of the the sound of an orchestra using the rudimentary synthesizers of the period. Carrying the lead using an acoustic piano was perhaps the wisest choice of all for this piece.Modern electronic composers can have little understanding of what efforts went into these multilayered tracks, when many synthesizers were still analog, and the ubiquitous Musical Instrument Digital Interface had yet to be developed. Tracks 2, 3, 4, and 5 show many interesting constructive features musically, which would have been very difficult to achieve at that time with the layering of synthesizers using analog multitrack tapes. The sixth track is not a Vangelis performance, but was included originally because it was indeed played in the film, and is rather nice to listen to anyway.The piece de resistance of the whole affair is, ironically, a piece that does not appear in the film at all, so far as I know. The final track, exceeding 21 minutes in length, actually bears the title "Chariots of Fire," and should be regarded as Vangelis's effort to impart something of the flavor of the entire film through an extended orchestral suite with a piano lead and, naturally, an electronic minimalist backdrop framing the whole piece like bookends. Where "Titles" crystallizes the fusion of Romance and minimalism that became a Vangelis trademark, "Chariots of Fire" stretches out and explores the fusion in an extended format, with breathtaking results. While largely unsung in popular music writing about Vangelis, it is really this final track that makes the album one of the greatest in the Vangelis catalogue, and "Chariots of Fire" will one day deservedly take its place alongside the greatest music of the 20th century, even if today it is given short shrift.

I saw the film originally at the theater when it first came out. I was mesmerized by the music. I purchased the soundtrack CD as soon as it came out. Listened over and over and never got tired listening. Then I misplaced the CD somewhere.While searching Amazon I located remastered CD version and purchased the soundtrack again. If you like the sample music then you will not regret buying this CD.

When I lived in DC I was a Volunteer with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial working for the US Park Service, The used to play this music and let it flow over the Vet's memorial as background,I no longer live in DC. But I purchased a copy and days when I am lonesome I play it and it brings back wonderful memories of the days I was a volunteer at the Memorial helping the veterans who were there, .

Vangelis effortlessly evokes the British liturgical musical idiom for for a perfect romantic evening whether with someone new or an old love. Light a candle or two and uncork a bottle of bubbly. Whether listening to Eric's or Harold's theme. Or the rousing, stirring organ notes written to accompany William Blake's "Jerusalem." This was a magical film and this CD brings back all the magic. No vocal tracks.

My friend loved her Birthday gift

I always seem to lose this, so I am always buying it again!

Recorder my grandsons in slow motion to the sound track

I purchased this to replace my Audio Cassette Tape. The CD sound is much better than my Cassette Tape. I should have done this sooner and yes it is still Chariots of Fire. Now if they would just put the movie on "Blue Ray".

I bought the LP of this music when it was first released and was immediately impressed. I had bought"Heaven and Hell" previous to this and "Albedo .39" from Vangelis on LP and was familiar with his compositions. The remastered CD is very good and worth the purchase for convenience if nothing else.My LP player is much more "high-end" than my CD machine but the new CD makes a much cleaner job of this electronic music which seems to benefit from digital processing more than, say; acoustic music. I would buy a WAV download if it was available which would quite probably sound very good indeed!

I feel that there is no better way to celebrate our Olympic and Paralympic successes for GB team than taking a glimpse at this extraordinary tale of two men, both driven by a relentless desire to win. One who was performing for the glory of His creator God, and the other propelled by his need to prove himself as a Jew in a Christian culture .Not only the captivating storyline, but also the wonderfully evocative music of Vangelis that captures those special moments so poignantly.All in all a treat to be savoured...A moral tale of striving for excellence - to be the best!

I, like many at the time, thought this was the brilliant highlight of a superb film. Rarely has a soundtrack so perfectly encapsulated the mood and feel of the movie, and Vangelis richly deserved his Academy Award. One of the most powerful and majestic albums you'll ever hear.

Well produced. Great tunes

Does any one have bad feelings about this wonderful work of Vangelis? Such a person should vist the hospial for the mentally retarded. It has been in my wish lists for a long time. I've ever loved it when I was a kid. Great work.