Olympic Fanfare & Theme on piano

As I upload this video, the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing are in full swing, so I'm sure all of you have heard bits and pieces of this over and over again. But have you listened to the whole piece? If not, you should. And I'm not talking about my version--I'm talking about the real deal.

In the mean time, however, feel free to take a listen to my piano rendition of the two most popular pieces of music associated with the Olympics. The first is the Leo Arnaud's "Bugler's Dream", written in 1958. The second is film composer John Williams' theme, which he wrote for the 1984 Olympics. This particular version, which comprises both, was released in the mid-90s.

I arranged this by ear, so this transcription isn't currently available in sheet music form, but I may release it at some point in the future.

I personally prefer Williams' theme over Arnaud's fanfare, though I enjoy both immensely. Which do you prefer?

As always, let me know if you hear things that need fixing! (Other than the rhythmic inaccuracy in some of the fastest passages and a couple of minor wrong notes, that is. I'm also aware that there's a pretty short passage missing around 2:34; that was intentional.)

(Note: this video replaces an older version. The only difference is that this one doesn't cut off the last chord.)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Olympics
• Beijing
• piano
• John Williams
• theme
• fanfare
• trumpet
• orchestra
• by ear
• Los Angeles
• summer
• Leo Arnaud
• Bugler's Dream

[who8mahbacon]

ive got to be honest, it sounds shit on a piano.

[1taken]

@who8mahbacon Cool story, bro!

[DarkAuctor]

Let's see... Could you write sheet music or tell me how you play from the beginning up until :48? I do know the rest, however ^^

[1taken]

Sorry, not really an option for the time being. =(

[DarkAuctor]

First off, Awesome job! Do you have sheet music???? Please, I'd like them!! And this always makes me think of Shawn M. Johnson. I must be attatched to her or something.....h'm lol! 5/5 great job. You must've worked HARD on this! :D

[1taken]

Thank you very much! =D Unfortunately, no, I haven't written down my arrangement. =( I'll post it if and when I do, though.

[cr85monster12]

Every time I hear this, it makes me sad because I miss the Olympics :(  Anyone else?

Great Job by tha way!!!

[GaaraOfTheDesert7X]

some one needs to call a piano tuner =X , but still good job.

[killgriffinnow]

one ring to rule them all,

one ring to find them,

one ring to bring them all,

And in the darkness bind them.

[Mastahfung]

This song just makes me want to work even harder even though I have plenty of years until 2016 to get my 1500m time down to 3:50 I don't want to waste another day. If Prefontaine ran 10 miles a day I'll do it too. Thanks for uploading your score.

[scottb3034]

John Williams is a bloody genius.

[emileerose01]

this is interesting lookes hard

[who8mahbacon]

or maybe he had in a flat tune, which would be stupid

[Selinja]

Reminds me of the Olympic Games on my old C64 :)

[19cookiemonster92]

oooh my goodness..thats so great. i want to play like this too !