Music at sporting events

The use of music at sporting events is thousands of years old, and has recently become popular again. Some sports have specific traditions about pieces of music played at particular events. Others have made the presentation of music very specific to the team—even to particular players. Music may be used to build the energy of the fans, and may also be introduced in ways that are less directly connected with the action in a sporting event.

History of music at sporting events

The ancient Greeks intently tied the performance of music to sporting events, particularly at their quadrennial Olympic Games.

"The extent to which cultural elements were included in the Pan-Hellenic games is enlightening. At several festivals, including Delphi, Isthmia and Athens, music played a prominent role in the athletic contests."[1]

The revival of the Olympic Games in 1896 also incorporated music into the festivities surrounding the competitions. On March 25 of that year, "the Philharmonic Orchestra played the national anthem and the first Olympic Hymn, written by poet Kostis Palamas and set to music by the well-known Greek composer Spyridon Samaras."

Entrance music

Entrance music (also known as an entry theme, walk-on music, or walk-up song) is a musical piece or song that is played for athletes when they first appear in front of the spectators before an event.

Music used for dramatic effect

Composer Carl Orff's O Fortuna is often used, as it is recognizable from its first two notes due to its many uses in films, and its booming operatic vocals and percussive instrumentation convey a sense of drama and importance. O Fortuna is based upon a 13th-century poem from the collection known today as Carmina Burana.