Haris Hatzigeorgiou: violin / Dana Hatzigeorgiou: cello / Vicky Stilianou: piano

Chamber music rarities of the 'early' Theodorakis

The chamber music of Mikis Theodorakis is relatively uncommon and was composed in the period before 1960. In his view, it is not an ideally suited medium for many of his intentions. Thus has put more emphasis on vocal works such as the legendary Canto General, or other composition forms that avoid the coding of the composer's message. However, anyone interested in the music of Mikis Theodorakis should not neglect his early works, since the show similar influences as his later symphonic works. The Sonatina No. 1 for Violin and Piano is based on songs and dances from Crete. Theodorakis achieved a masterly combination of rhythmic drive and melodic vigor. The basic musical materials of the final movement reappear in the brilliant arrangement of the Zorba ballet from 1988. The Sonatina No. 2 for Violin and Piano is one of Theodorakis’ finest chamber music works and shows how easily and skillfully he combines the roots of his native music with the newest compositional techniques. The Trio for violin, cello and piano was created one year after Theodorakis became a member of the resistance movement. Says the maestro: ''In the book “Oi dromoi tu archangelu'' (The Ways of the Archangel)” (published 1986/1987), I described the conditions of my life at that time and my development as a composer during all those political events occurring in my country. The Trio fell into oblivion, at any rate, buried by other papers and waiting to see the light of the world again after 40 years. I cannot express in words how glad I am about this. The composer himself supervised the recording of the three pieces. The original tapes ware carefully restaured and digitally remastered for the first release on CD.