WHAT'S THAT SONG?
‘Vassourinhas’ by M. da Rocha performed by SpokFrevo Orquestra
Fourteen frevo dancers join the athletes at centre stage at the Maracana. This song is a classic of the musical genre and tradition of the state of Pernambuco. Frevo is synonymous with hot, lively parties and is marked by an intense pace of steps and twirls.
The song 'Vassourinha' was chosen because it is the most emblematic song in this musical genre. Performed by SpokFrevo, Brazil’s foremost frevo orchestra, the conductor is also a member of Orchestra Santa Massa and will be with us through the parade of nations.
MY OH MY, LOOK WHAT'S IN STORE FOR US!
Taking a peep backstage at the Maracana during the opening ceremony, we can only assume this entertainment will be a lot of fun to take in.
WHAT'S A PARTY WITHOUT A WHISTLE
Daniella Bezerra Ceará lives in Rio de Janeiro and caught live action water polo, equestrian, beach volleyball, basketball and football. She caps it all tonight at the closing ceremony. She felt great pride — rightly so! — and said she was thrilled to be part of the host city. "Whoever came out learned about Brazilian culture," she said. "There was so much to see."
WHAT'S THAT SONG
They win medals but can they dance? DJ Dolores, Orchestra Santa Massa and DJ Mika Mutti play as the world's athletes enter Maracana.
DJ Dolores and the Orchestra Santa Massa celebrate 15 years together and are recognized for bringing electronic music with popular Brazilian rhythms.
DJ Mika Mutti is a producer who blends electronic sounds with roots percussions.
YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE THESE GUYS...
Here come the athletes! And rather than the regimented arrivals of the Opening Ceremony, tonight they seem to be pouring into the arena in whatever order they please. Guess quite a few sports stars from various countries have made friends with each other in the last couple of weeks. The refugee delegation are here too - they have made more friends than anyone.
(Photo: Getty Images)
WHAT'S THAT SONG?
'Tico-Tico no Fubá' first performed by Carmen Miranda in Copacabana
Carmen Miranda has incomparable flair and style. The performer projected Brazil’s name to the world during the mid-1930s and the during the golden age of radio.
A tico-tico is a feisty little bird.
ANTHEM WITH A DIFFERENCE
It's the Brazilian national anthem as you've probably never heard it before. The angelic voices of a 27-strong children's choir provide the lyrics, while in the background we hear the percussion of an African tambourine - producing a rather electrifying effect.
(Photo: Getty Images)
WHAT'S THAT SONG?
'As Pastorinhas' by João de Barro and Noel Rosa
Written by João de Barro and Noel Rosa, this charming tune won a carnival contest in 1938 as a top samba march songs and continues to be heard every year around Brazil. To mark this special occasion, it’s performed tonight by the legendary Martinho da Vila who is joined by his three daughters and grand-daughter. A musical legacy spanning three generations!
We end with an image those birds would have been seeing around the city a lot recently, as the Olympic Rings are formed on the stage.
We know Rio has always been beautiful, but now it has something else to boast about. Rio will forever be an Olympic city.
It's definitely a stroke of luck to be a bird in Rio.
SOUNDS OF THE CITY
Not far from where we are right now, at the Maracana, is a very special Rio neighbourhood named Vila Isabel. Special because it has produced an extraordinary number of supremely gifted musicians - maestros such as Pixinguinha, Braguinha and Noel Rosa. We're hearing a tribute to the music of Vila Isabel now - performed by composer Martinho da Vila, along with his three daughters and one granddaughter.
BIRD'S EYE VIEW
It could be argued that the birds who fly above the city of Rio de Janeiro have some of the best views of any of the world's feathered creatures. Here we get a glimpse of what the city might look like through their eyes - taking in such spectacular sights as Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain and the Arches of Lapa. The only difference is that the distinctive shapes of those landmarks are being formed before our eyes by the performers.
WHAT'S THAT SONG?
'Carinhoso' performed by Marisa Monte
Considered one of the most beautiful Brazilian songs of all time and heard at the close of many street parties throughout Brazil, ‘Carinhoso’ was composed in 1917 by Pixinguinha and João de Barro. The song has been covered around 200 times, and here it is performed by Marisa Monte in one of the most popular renditions adored by many Brazilians.
Images
