I first became aware of Theodorakis and his music when I was
a child and travelling with my family to Kerkyra from Igoumenitsa. The ferry was packed, mostly with young people, and there was a beautiful song being played constantly, probably by one of the
young people; however, very many of the passengers were joining in and singing
loudly and with evident joy.
Later I discovered that the song was a poem written by
another Nobel Prize winner, George Seferis:
In August 1999, I was lucky enough to be staying with a
friend near Olympia (Peloponnese) who took me to one of Theodorakis’ live
performances with his musicians.
The stadium was packed, Theodorakis animated (as in the
videos below, which aren’t of that night), the evening magical and the
experience unforgettable.
In August 1999, I was lucky enough to be staying with a
friend near Olympia (Peloponnese) who took me to one of Theodorakis’ live
performances with his musicians.
The stadium was packed, Theodorakis animated (as in the
videos below, which aren’t of that night), the evening magical and the
experience unforgettable.
Lucky indeed!
Thank you for the lovely videos, Phaidra.
Here is one with "Alexis Zorbas" in person, trying to remember that old dance. Touching.
We went to the Christening of my Godson's new son in Thessaloniki. My Godson married a Greek girl and, as Ι understand it, Greek people, generally, treat Godparents as family; his wife and her family treat me as such. My Godson calls me by my Christian name but she calls "Nouna" (Godmother). I love it!
Her parents have a summer house, about an hour's drive south of Thessaloniki. We spent a week there with them. Blue sea and skies, truly delightful!
Just heard on the radio that September is "the most common birthday month- 9 months after Christmas/New Year!" I laughed out loud; 3 of my grandchildren have Sep. birthdays....
We came back from our holiday on Wednesday, after staying in a friends' cottage in Devon for a few days. Whilst away, we made sure we had no contact with the world of News and Current Affairs: there's only so much one can take! We watched no tv, read papers or even listened to the radio. We walked, talked, read our books or listened to our own music, so I didn't hear about the death of this important Greek composer.
I have since googled him and felt astounded by the man, his ethos, his politics and his music.
As evidenced by the videos online, the young took to the streets, with a variety of musical instruments, playing and singing his songs, to honour this 96 year old Man.
Amazing.
On our return home we were greeted by a...gardenful of cucumbers; so I spent most of yesterday pickling them. Today I'm resting!
Posts
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/02/mikis-theodorakis-composer-political-maverick-zorba-greek-dies-aged-96
I also listened to some of his work on youtube. What a wonderful musician! I think I understand why Greeks feel so bereft.
I first became aware of Theodorakis and his music when I was a child and travelling with my family to Kerkyra from Igoumenitsa. The ferry was packed, mostly with young people, and there was a beautiful song being played constantly, probably by one of the young people; however, very many of the passengers were joining in and singing loudly and with evident joy.
Later I discovered that the song was a poem written by another Nobel Prize winner, George Seferis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4pT1OVstzQ
In August 1999, I was lucky enough to be staying with a friend near Olympia (Peloponnese) who took me to one of Theodorakis’ live performances with his musicians.
The stadium was packed, Theodorakis animated (as in the videos below, which aren’t of that night), the evening magical and the experience unforgettable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPCSVKTv9kI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guwBDj3VBl4I'm certain the Hellenic world feels the deepest sense of loss.
Thank you for the lovely videos, Phaidra.
Here is one with "Alexis Zorbas" in person, trying to remember that old dance. Touching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdg4Mh8SG8o
I have a dream that my.. children.. one day.. will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character
Martin Luther KingWe went to Dorset. Rather chilly!
I have a dream that my.. children.. one day.. will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character
Martin Luther KingI have a dream that my.. children.. one day.. will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character
Martin Luther KingI have since googled him and felt astounded by the man, his ethos, his politics and his music.
As evidenced by the videos online, the young took to the streets, with a variety of musical instruments, playing and singing his songs, to honour this 96 year old Man.
Amazing.
On our return home we were greeted by a...gardenful of cucumbers; so I spent most of yesterday pickling them. Today I'm resting!
Some pictures here:https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1015499/holiday-photos/p9