The Greek Radio Symphonic Orchestra / Loukas Karitinos: conductor / The Greek Radio Chorus / Vassilis Kondogeorgiou: chorus master / Vangelis Hadjissimos: tenor / Fangiskos Voutsinos: bass / Elena Mouzala: piano
"Canto Olympico", commissioned by the International Olympic Committee, is the most outstanding orchestral work of 1992.
Mikis Theodorakis wrote his unique symphonic work for orchestra, choir and three soloists right in time for the Summer Olympic Games 1992 in Barcelona. "Canto Olympico" describes the history of the Olympic Games in a highly sensitive and easy-to-grasp way in chronological order, from classical antiquity to the modern age, including their revival by de Coubertin. To do justice to both sports and music lovers, Theodorakis chose for his work the easily understandable form of the sossita. Seven independent movements create a very lively and flowing mood, using musical elements from the cultural area of the Mediterranean.
"Canto Olympico" is an astonishing album which rekindles the original spirit of the Olympic Games and forms an impressive framework around this major event.