articles / Pop Culture

The Olympic Theme Explained

If you’re watching the Olympics on NBC or its affiliates, you’re hearing a lot of the NBC Olympic Theme, written for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics by John Williams. It was NBC’s idea to incorporate the already popular Bugler’s Dream music into the beginning of Williams’ fanfare, with ear-worm-inducing results! So how does the theme breakdown exactly? Here’s the best explanation I’ve read of what you are actually hearing almost constantly these days on NBC.

If you really want to dive into the history and implications of the theme, look no further.

And if you really just want to hear the theme like you’ve never heard it before, we have you covered too:

Pop Culture

Written by:

Dianne Nicolini

Published on 02.15.2018

MORE LIKE THIS

The Ophi-What?

Explore the history of the ophicleide, a 19th-century instrument used in orchestras and military bands, and its cultural significance in music and clergy.

05/11/2018

The Olympic Theme Explained

Explore the history and structure of the NBC Olympic Theme, composed by John Williams for the 1984 LA Olympics, and its integration with the popular Bugler's Dream music.

05/11/2018

Ping Pong on the Concert Stage

Explore the inspiration behind composer Andy Akiho's piece, Ricochet, derived from his visit to Spin, a trendy Ping-Pong club in New York City.

05/11/2018

The Ophi-What?

Explore the history of the ophicleide, a 19th-century instrument used in orchestras and military bands, famously included in works by Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Verdi, and Wagner.

11/16/2017

Cocktails with the Coloratura?

San Francisco Opera tests a new policy allowing drinks in the hall, using compostable cups. This move, common in England, sparks debate on opera etiquette and culture.

06/21/2017

Stash the Stilettos

Symphony organizations are asking musicians to audition barefoot to ensure blind auditions, eliminating bias based on gender, race, or age.

03/22/2017