From the ''Games Of The XXI Olympiad, Montréal 1976, Original Soundtrack''. Olympic Chimes (the Olympic Fanfare) - Olympic Cantata composed by Victor Vogel, and based on compositions by Andre Mathieu (see further below), performed after the lightning of the cauldron at the Montreal 1976 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
The fanfare was performed after HRH Elizabeth II declared the games open. The second one was peformed soon after the lightning of the cauldron. the Olympic
Cantata is performed by the Olympic Orchestra and Choir made up of members of the choirs of the Petits Chanteurs du mont Royal, the Disciples de Massenet, and singers from the Union des artistes de Montréal. This cantata was written for the 1976 Games by the Montrealer, Louis Chantigny. Its music and words celebrate the spirit of the Games, their fervor,
their glory, and their humanity. The music was inspired by themes from André Mathieu's Romantic Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra.
Lyrics (English translation):
"Sing in praise of the Olympian
Flame, lit from the rays of the sun. And
the victor's laurels woven from the
branches of the olive.
"Joy, love and glory shall be your
rewards in this contest supreme, this
fraternal gathering.
"All the world breathes as one to
the beat of your heart; the brotherhood
of man pays homage with this song.
"From the summit of Olympus,
Apollo's divine oracle proclaims this day
through my voice: citius, altius, fortius.
"Thus was the truth spoken:
'When mortals must strive, their true
worth is always proven, and athletes
will rise to the heights of Gods.'
"All the world breathes as one to
the beat of your heart; the brotherhood
of man pays homage with this song.
"Joy, love and glory shall be your
rewards in this contest supreme, this
fraternal gathering.
"Brightly shine the Olympian
Flame, lit from the rays of the sun. "
