BML203
No. 1 on a Bulgarian folk theme; No. 2 on a Greek epic song
“Balkan Dances for solo guitar” (2007) consist of two fantasia-form
compositions, based on themes, rhythms and melodies originated from the rich
musical heritage of Balkan countries, “re-baptized” though in modern guitar’s unique
sound spectrum. Dance Nr 1 is based on a Bulgarian folk wedding song of
unfortunately unknown origins, at least to me. Dance Nr 2 is based on an epic song
from Karpathos, Dodecanese, south-eastern Greece (“A brave young soldier…”).
The composition proposes several unconventional techniques, which guitarists are
invited to freely explore. They refer to the considerable variety of unusual playing
styles adopted by traditional instruments of all Balkan countries. In the hands of
remarkable folk musicians these instruments and playing techniques revive tradition
in a continually refreshing manner, and it is exactly this spirit of essential continuity
that most “classical music” interpretations would long to gain, indeed.
“Balkan Dances for solo guitar” was recorded by the composer on the cd “Smaro Gregoriadou: reinventing guitar!” issued in 2009 by DELOS (DE 3398)
