I have the words ‘Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known’ from Today by the Smashing Pumpkins tattooed on my arm, it was the first tattoo that I got, it was a personal take on ‘carpe diem’
What music helps you focus? And what do you listen to when you want to relax?
To mark the BBC’s Summer of Sport, and with a link to BBC Radio 3’s Music Matters: Knowing the Score series – exploring similarities between the profession of classical musicians and athletes – we put the same questions to some of the UK’s top athletes and sport presenters, who told us their favourite music for focus ahead of a big moment – and the tracks they use to relax after the work is done.
Their choices span rock, classical, jazz and more, reflecting the power of music to sustain us in our toughest moments.
Eleanor Oldroyd – BBC Sports journalist
Music for Focus
Mozart: Piano Concerto No 21 in C major
When I’m working from home I always have classical music on in the background to help me focus. Mozart’s piano concertos are on repeat on my playlist and it’s really difficult to pick a favourite. While at school I played the piano up to Grade 7, and even though I could never imagine getting to concerto standard, I’d love to be able to tackle the odd sonata again.
Music for Relaxation
Herbert Howells : Magnificat from Collegium Regale
I sing in a choir, and listening to choral music is one of my guaranteed ways to relax. I often listen to Choral Evensong on Radio 3 while lying in the bath! And if I have the chance to go and hear it sung at a cathedral, I find the familiar words, music and ritual the perfect way to re-centre in a busy world. Herbert Howells wrote some of the most beautiful pieces in the church music repertoire and his Evensong setting for King’s College Cambridge is a masterpiece.
Bach: Cello Suite No 1 in G Major
The stripped back purity of Bach always removes the stresses of the day and this piece – where the cellist takes the spotlight – must be one of the greatest solo instrumental pieces ever written.
Ella Fitzgerald: Ev’ry Time we say Goodbye
Cooking is one of the things I love to do to relax, and I always need a good playlist. Something jazzy and smooth tends to hit the spot nicely, and if there’s no-one around to hear me, I might find myself singing along with Ella!
Jeanette Kwakye – Broadcaster and Olympic sprinter
Music for Focus
Ezra Collective: Hear My Cry
I am a massive fan of Ezra collective and their energy. Drummer Femi and Bass player TJ are big Arsenal fans which helps! But Hear My Cry is such an uplifting gospel song predominantly sang in African churches. Their take on it is so perfect and joyful. It reminds me of my childhood.
Dave/Stormzy: Clash
Dave and Stormzy represent so much more than being rappers. Two young Black men living their dreams, making history and shifting the dial. Both of them at their peak on one track is epic.
I grew up with a lot of Grime music artists from East London so to see how they’ve pushed and evolved the genre is amazing.
Kings of Tomorrow: Finally
I am the biggest house music fan. During the summer I try and go to independent house music festivals where I can. Finally is a classic: I get completely locked in, especially if it comes on in the gym. It’s a power tune for me. It’s been on my playlist as both an athlete and broadcaster. Five years old and still such a great song.
Music for Relaxation
Bob Marley: Waiting in Vain
The MOST beautiful love song. Ever. It’s nearly 50 years old.
I think this is so precious – people don’t make love songs like this anymore. Bob Marley has inspired so many different artists! I have the original vinyl: it belonged to my late Dad. I play it regularly.
Cleo Sol: Know that you’re loved
For me the best British vocalist. This song has really powerful lyrics. But only ELEVEN words, it’s a mantra. I think it’s a song to play when you need a reminder of how unique we all are.
Sault: My light
A spiritual song that really hits. All beliefs, all values and so much more.
It sticks out in a world that can feel really chaotic at times. You can’t be sad listening to this.
Sault are incredible, incognito band – they don’t court the limelight and make such good music, with powerful messaging.
Victoria Pendleton – Gold medal-winning cyclist
Music for Focus
Elgar: Nimrod (from Enigma Variations)
This is a potent and inspiring piece that is steeped in remembrance. My dad liked to listen to classical music in the car on our way to races when we were kids. I like how solemn and powerful this piece is.
Foo Fighters: My Hero
Choosing one Foos song is hard! I have seen them several times in concert. My Hero reminds me of my family, I can imagine both my brother and sister singing it in the crowd, fully committed! Which makes me smile. I have been very fortunate to have met Dave Grohl in person and he was everything I could have hoped. They say you shouldn’t meet your idols, but in this case I beg to differ.
Smashing Pumpkins: Today
I have the words ‘Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known’ from Today by the Smashing Pumpkins tattooed on my arm, it was the first tattoo that I got, it was a personal take on carpe diem.
Music for Relaxation
Debussy : Clair de lune
This is one of my all-time favourites – my sister used to play it on the piano when I was about 11 or 12 as she rehearsed over and over for her grade 8 music exams. I love it and will never tire of hearing it.
Hans Zimmer: Time (from the film Inception)
This is a piece of music that reminds me of my brother. He loved this one and it reminds me of him – gentle and heroic. If I need a cathartic moment, this would be my go-to.
Music Matters: Knowing the Score
With the help of virtuoso soloists, charismatic conductors, world champions and famous athletes, presenter Eleanor Oldroyd invites sporting stars and big names in the classical world to share their experiences and draw comparisons between their professions on the stage or in a stadium.
The guests introduce music that inspires them, and Eleanor chooses pieces with a sporting theme which have meant something to her in her in her time covering 13 Summer and Winter Olympic Games for the BBC.
EC
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