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Greece is mourning today. The man who connected with the most important moments of Greece’s modern history, the inexhaustible composer and unpaid fighter, is no longer with us. Mikis Theodorakis “passed away” at the age of 96 to fly with the angels, leaving behind an invaluable legacy.
Mikis Theodorakis has written all kinds of music, from operas, symphonic music, chamber music, oratorios, ballet and church choir, to music for ancient drama, theater, cinema, art folk song and post-symphonic works. His work can be distinguished in three main periods: In the first period (1937-1960) he composes symphonic and chamber music works according to Western European forms and modern techniques, in the second period (1960-1980) he attempts to combine the symphony orchestra with folk instruments and creates new forms based on the voice, while since 1981 he returns to symphonic forms and deals with opera.
The composition of poems has been considered as the “central pillar of his creativity”, as the singer Nena Venetsanou has said. There the poets parade: Angelos Sikelianos, Andreas Kalvos, George Seferis, Odysseas Elytis, Giannis Ritsos, Manolis Anagnostakis, but also Pablo Nerouda, Lorca, Bernard Biam. Their lyrics thus become accessible to the general public, framing folk songs that set fundamental values and constants in contemporary Greek music. After all, when he was imprisoned in Oropos prison, he wrote: “In the beginning it was the reason …. my greatest ambition is to faithfully serve mainly modern Greek poetry. To such an extent that listening to a song, you can not imagine the music in another text, nor the poem with different music “. Mikis Theodorakis essentially created the movement of Melodic Poetry, contributing to the emergence of a number of poets and the upgrading of the song. At the same time, it has helped an entire generation gain its own voice.
His fame soon surpassed the country’s borders. He composed perhaps the most recognizable Greek rhythm internationally, the syrtaki from the film “Alexis Zorbas” (1964), while his songs were performed by famous artists, such as the Beatles, Shirley Basei and Edith Piaf. He invested in well-known films, such as “Z” (1969), which was awarded the BAFTA Prize for original music, “Phaedra” (1962), with songs with lyrics by Nikos Gatsos and “Serpiko” (1973), for whose music was nominated for a Grammy in 1975 (he claimed the same award for his music “Alexis Zorba” in 1966).
At the same time, from a very young age he developed a rich resistance and political action, while with various interventions, books and interviews he remained active until the end of his life.
Miki will be certainly missed not only in Greece but worldwide his music will certainly continue reminding us of his great skills and love for his home land Greece. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
Zakynthos Informer gives you a song in tribute to Greece’s son, Miki Theodorakis.
Feature photo:- pinterest
Source:- protothema
