A hugely important part of the incredible opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the soundtrack has been receiving a large share of the plaudits.
One standout moment from the show was Gisele Bündchen’s stroll down the catwalk, who waltzed through the Maracanã and showed us all why she is considered one of the best at what she does. Gisele played her part with style and poise, whilst the MPB classic “Girl from Ipanema” was played by Daniel Jobim. Jobim’s grandfather, Tom, is a Bossa Nova legend, and it was he, together with Vinícius de Morais, who composed this beautiful song.
After the ceremony, searches for “Girl from Ipanema” increased by a whopping 1200%, according to Spotify.
Other popular Brazilian classics that were played during the ceremony are “País Tropical”, “Aquele Abraço”, “Canto de Ossanha” and “Sandália de Prata”, MPB mega-hits every single one.
Below, we have put together a list of the opening ceremony’s soundtrack, which we still aren’t tired of hearing!
– “Aquele Abraço”, Gilberto Gil – performed by Luiz Melodia
– “Samba de Verão”, Marcos Valle (instrumental)
– Brazilian National Anthem, interpreted by Paulinho da Viola
– “Toada E Desafio”, Capiba (instrumental)
– “Pindorama”, written by Beto Villares, Antônio Alves Pinto, Renata Rosa and Marlui Miranda
– “Geometrização”, with the participation of Fanta Konatê, Bukassa Kabengele, Sami and William Bordokan
– “Construção”, Chico Buarque (instrumental)
– “Samba do Avião”, Tom Jobim (instrumental)
– “Garota de Ipanema”, Daniel Jobim on the piano
– “Rap da Felicidade”, Ludmilla
– “Canto de Ossanha”, Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moraes, interpreted by Elza Soares
– Mash-up of “Deixa a Vida me Levar”, interpreted by Zeca Pagodinho and Marcelo D2
– “Toquem os Tambores”, interpreted by MC Soffia and Karol Conka
– “Pop – As Disputas”, written by Beto Villares and Antônio Alves Pinto
– “Velocidade do Eletro”, Gang do Eletro
– “País Tropical”, Jorge Ben
– “Sandália de Prata”, Ary Barroso, interpreted by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Anitta
– 12 Baterias from Rio’s Samba Schools
