A GREEK ICON
THE HEART OF GREEK MUSIC
The Bouzouki, often regarded as the ‘heart’ of Greek music, is a stringed instrument that holds a profound place in the Greek cultural and musical identity. Known for its distinctive sound, the Bouzouki is not merely an instrument but a symbol of the Greek spirit and its rich traditions.
BOUZOUKI ORIGINS
Elements of the Bouzouki’s roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, where stringed instruments were prevalent in musical traditions, but the direct ancestor of the Bouzouki is the long-necked fretted plucked string instrument known as ‘Buzuq,’ which originated in Persia and evolved as it made its way west to the Byzantine Empire. The Bouzouki is also related to the Iranian and Turkish ‘Saz’, which also originate from the ‘Buzuq’. Indeed the term ‘Bouzouki’ directly derives from the Arabic word ‘Buzuq,’ and is another reference to the instrument’s origins.
BORN IN PRISON BUT RAISED IN NIGHTCLUBS
By the 19th century, the Bouzouki emerged as an essential musical instrument within the urban culture of the Greek people, particularly among the working class. The instrument’s popularity also grew in Greek prisons. Crude versions of the instrument were made out of broken wooden furniture and strings from uncoiled bedsprings and prisoners, as well as guards played the instrument night and day to kill time. Indeed many prisoners left prison and became full-time musicians, plying their trade in taverns, coffee shops, and nightclubs. Â
FOUR PAIRS OF STRINGS
The instrument that resembles the Bouzouki closely in design and purpose is the Turkish ‘Saz’ but it was the cultural exchange and adaptation in Greece that led to the Bouzouki assuming its contemporary form. Much like a ‘Saz’, the modern Bouzouki is a hand-made instrument that has a pear-shaped body and is typically played with a plectrum. The original Bouzouki featured three pairs of strings with later versions adopting four pairs of strings, arranged in courses. This extended the instrument’s musical range and contributed further to its unique yet vibrant sound. The Bouzouki is ornately decorated mainly using mother of pearl and each design is often unique to the maker or in some cases the player.Â
A NATIONAL ICON
The transition from a mere folk instrument to a national icon began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Bouzouki became widely recognised in the urban centres of Greece and Cyprus where it was embraced by the ‘Rembetiko’ musical genre. Often referred to as the ‘Greek blues’, the ‘Rembetiko’ movement expressed the struggles and life experiences of the marginalised and often impoverished classes in Greek society. This music style also strongly resonated with the general populace, effectively capturing themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of Greek life at the time.
THE REMBETIKO & LAIKO MOVEMENT
During the early 20th century, the Bouzouki flourished with its integration into the ‘Rembetiko’ movement. Prominent musicians like Markos Vamvakaris and Vassilis Tsitsanis played crucial roles in popularising the Bouzouki through their performances and recordings, leading to a surge in the instrument’s fame. As a result, taverns, coffee shops and nightclubs often became venues for their live music performances featuring the Bouzouki as the main lead instrument, attracting audiences eager to listen to and enjoy their evocative tunes. The popularity of the Bouzouki continued to grow post-World War 2, with the influence of commercial recordings and radio broadcasts. The Bouzouki reached broader audiences, transcending Greek borders and cultural boundaries and it played a vital role within the world of Greek popular music, known as the ‘Laiko,’ movement. This new modern music form emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterised by its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Greek immigrant communities kept their musical traditions alive, performing Bouzouki music at cultural festivals, weddings, and social events and the Bouzouki was embraced internationally, particularly among the Greek Diaspora mainly in the United States, Australia, The United Kingdom and Europe.Â
EMBLEMATIC OF GREECE’S IDENTITY
It is important to also note that the Bouzouki was not exclusively confined to the professional musician and it found its way into family gatherings and social events, infusing everyday life with popular Bouzouki music. With this, its significance extended beyond mere musical enjoyment it became intertwined with the social and cultural fabric of Greek life and the instrument has become emblematic of Greek identity, representing its history and values.Â
A TRADITIONAL YET MODERN INSTRUMENT
In recent years the Bouzouki has continued to evolve and adapt to contemporary musical trends. The distinctive sound of the instrument has garnered interest among international musicians, who have incorporated its sound into several diverse musical styles. Musicians of the world over have successfully incorporated the Bouzouki into various genres, including pop, rock, classical, and ethnic world music, leading to innovative fusions that appeal to younger audiences. In addition to this, Greek artists like Yiannis Parios and Glykeria, among others have gained recognition for their modern takes on traditional Bouzouki music, pushing the ‘Laiko’ movement further and ensuring the Bouzouki’s relevance in today’s musical landscape. The Bouzouki as a result continues not only to innovate but in some ways to dictate various music styles moving forward. All of this illustrates the Bouzouki’s versatility and its ability to resonate with people beyond Greek culture.Â
A GREEK LEGACY
Navigating through its historical trajectory, the Bouzouki exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of Greek culture. The instrument’s sound evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, making it a sought-after addition to global music collaborations. From its origins rooted in ancient stringed instruments to its modern adaptations, the Bouzouki has become an integral part of the Greek identity. It embodies both the struggle and joy of the Greek people, acting as both a musical and cultural bridge between past and present. The Bouzouki stands as a testament to a rich musical heritage and cultural evolution that as a result continues to influence and inspire, serving not just as an instrument, but as a representation of the Greek spirit. As a beloved national instrument, the bouzouki plays a vital role in defining the Greek cultural landscape, ensuring that its melodies resonate in the hearts of both Greeks and those who appreciate the beauty of its music worldwide, illuminating its significance in the context of Greek lifestyle and culture.
