THE ORIGINS OF GREEK MUSIC
The founders of Greek music can be said to be not just specific individuals, but also a series of influential movements that has reflected the Greek diaspora at different times throughout history. Largely instrumental in the development of this unique art form, each one has often shared a range of philosophical ideas that have been merged with several cultural practices. This along with notable theorists and influential composers, have all gone on to play their part in helping to develop the broader evolution of the cultural Greek musical context throughout the ages. As a result, Greek music today remains an integral part of Greek and Cypriot cultural heritage.
GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Music in the ancient Greek diaspora was considered an important part of society, and the early roots of this lively form of expression stretch back to antiquity. The consensus that this art form was a gift from the gods helped to form a foundation cornerstone for the art form’s origins, and there are several references to it within the context of Greek mythology. Greek musical tradition, in a mythological context, firmly lies with Apollo. Along with other notable elements of Greek mythology, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy is a good representation of this.
A CULTURAL FORM OF EXPRESSION
Several notable philosophical thinkers had a major influence on early Greek music at the time, making important contributions to the art form. Poetry, dance, and drama were all embraced and intertwined with music, which often accompanied religious rituals and social gatherings across the Greek diaspora. All of these arts also served to collaborate well with most public ceremonies and festivals at the time.
PYTHAGORAS
Pythagoras was crucial in shaping several theoretical aspects of Greek music. He believed in the relationship and influence of mathematics on music. He extensively explored the relationship between numbers and the timing of musical intervals as a result. He was also instrumental in the development of the concept of the ‘Harmony of the Spheres’. The suggestion that celestial bodies produced music through motion directly fed into his narrative that music had a cosmic, as well as a mathematical significance.
ARISTOXENUS
As well as embracing the Pythagorean mathematical approach, Aristoxenus proved that music also required a subjective understanding of both melody and rhythm. He emphasised the importance of not only perception, but also an auditory experience of music. Aristoxenus’s teachings later laid the foundation for musical theory that would influence Western world music for centuries thereafter.
TERPANDER
Terpander is often referred to as the father of lyrical poetry. Known for systematising existing musical styles, his poetic compositions often used extremely simple rhythmic patterns. He also simplified the rules of the modes of singing. These formed out of syncopated variants that created a new conceptual musical system. This led to a new era of music that used systematised musical styles, that originated from both Greece and greater Anatolia.
ARION
Arion is credited with transforming improvised processional songs into a formal art form. Helping to bridge music with drama, his works are also considered to be a direct step towards the development of a more modern Greek tragedy. One particular work that he is famous for is a mythological account of his life. This was recounted several times by the historian Herodotus. The story goes that after he was placed at the mercy of his own ship’s mutinous crew, Arion was allowed to sing a final hymn before his pending execution. After leaping into the sea, a dolphin charmed by his music appeared and carried him on its back to safety. A bronze monument depicting him on the back of the dolphin was later dedicated to Arion at Taenarum, in Corinth. Arion’s lyre was also placed among the stars as a constellation.
SOPHOCLES & EURIPIDES
The Greek classical period allowed music to evolve further. Composers, such as Sophocles and Euripides, had by this time successfully integrated music into their popular plays. They effectively used music to set the emotional tone to support the narrative of their plays. This largely made the art form central to all theatrical performances. The use of music in this way also allowed it to establish a strong relationship with storytelling. This directly led to the creation of the first music notation systems that preserved the dissemination of musical works of this era. The ‘Seikilos Epitaph’, dating back to the 1st century, is one of the oldest surviving examples of written music in existence.
A BYZANTINE INFLUENCE
Musical traditions continued to evolve in Greece during the Byzantine era. The Byzantine musical system predominantly introduced new scales, modes, and rhythmic patterns to Greek music. The music of the Byzantine Orthodox Church, in particular, also became extremely relevant at this time. Characterised by its extensive mix of both eastern and western hymnography, this mix of vocal harmonies and modes would dominate Greek music during this era.
BYZANTINE HYMONOGRAPHY
St. John of Damascus and St. Romanos the Melodist were significant in developing Byzantine hymnography. They are both celebrated for their ability to convey profound theological themes through their hymns and music. Also noted for their theological writings, several of their compositions are still performed in liturgical contexts by the Greek Orthodox Church today.
THE BOUZOUKI
The Greek national instrument took prominence in the late 19th century and has played a significant role in the development of Greek music ever since. The relevance and significance of the BOUZOUKI, in an ever-changing modern Greek musical scene, is so prominent that it deeply influences various modern genres of the art form to this day. With this in mind, the traditional stringed instrument is not only a representation of Greek music, but is also an essential part of a Greek identity. The influence of the BOUZOUKI, today is so strong that most agree that without it, there is no Greek music!
AN EASTERN INFLUENCE
The Ottoman conquest of Greece and the majority of the Greek diaspora during the 15th century had a significant impact on the evolution of Greek music. This period saw the introduction of mainly Turkish musical traditions that included new genres and instruments, which were subsequently blended with Greek music. This led to the emergence of several new genres that include probably the most notable forms of Greek musical representation today.
THE REMBETIKO MOVEMENT
The REMBETIKO movement, which is often regarded as the music of the marginalised working class, emerged in the early 20th century. This musical movement is regarded as one of the most poignant periods in the development of modern Greek music. REMBETIKO music is largely characterised by its themes of love, loss, and social struggle.
MARKOS VAMVAKARIS & VASSILIS TSITSANIS
Prominent figures of the wider REMBETIKO movement include MARKOS VAMVAKARIS and VASSILIS TSITSANIS. Both played significant roles in popularising the REMBETIKO genre, mainly throughout urbanised areas of Greece. Their songs reflected the socio-political realities of the time, often addressing issues of poverty, exile, and hardship. This resonated with the Greek people all over the Greek diaspora, making REMBETIKO music a powerful form of expression at the time. The REMBETIKO movement today can be said to represent the Greek national identity during times of turmoil.
MIKIS THEODORAKIS & MANOS HADJIDAKIS
The 20th century also witnessed a resurgence of interest in Greek music. This was mainly fuelled by national identity movements and a desire to preserve traditional Greek art forms. Composers such as MIKIS THEOTHORAKIS and MANOS HADJIDAKIS successfully fused traditional Greek music with modern contemporary styles. This contributed greatly to global appreciation of Greek culture. MIKIS THEOTHORAKIS is particularly known for works like ZORBA THE GREEK, which incorporated elements of folk music into popular mainstream global cinema.
MODERN CULTURAL FESTIVALS
The introduction of new modern Greek musical genres has helped to develop Greek music further. This, along with the introduction of modern technology, which includes new recording techniques and global connectivity, has allowed Greek music to flourish and reach new audiences. Although Greek music continues to evolve, it still manages to retain its essential unique qualities, celebrating both its historical roots and its capacity for innovation. The contributions of modern musicians, theorists, and composers all highlight the rich tapestry of influences that all reflect the complexities of Greek identity, societal values, and artistic expression.
