Stamatis Spanoudakis - For Smyrni (2001)

"Stamatis Spanoudakis is widely regarded as the most prolific Greek composer of his age. Versatile in his music for film, television, records and concerts, he uses a rich and original musical palette that conjures up different perceptions in the sphere of musical imagery. He explores both tragic and dramatic experiences with an eye and an ear for the musical representation of the perennial dilemmas and joys faced by mankind both in the past and present.

To date, Stamatis has written concert works for rock groups, string orchestra, soloists and chorus. Future plans include compositions for wind, brass, tympani and percussion, adding to his fulsome output.

Concerts, including those at the George Enescu Hall (Bucharest) and the Royal Albert Hall (London), have proven his international reputation and the forthcoming visit to China will set the seal on this remarkable artist’s achievement in bringing his unique brand of Greek music to the widest possible audience.

I have had the privilege of conducting some of Stamatis’ concerts and I am continually impressed by the way he considers his music as a living entity that is constantly evolving and developing and is never completely set in stone." By William Relton - Conductor.

Stamatis Spanoudakis says of the album:

"As far as I know, neither my grandmother, my grandfather nor any other member of my family, have a descent from Smyrni. However, as most Greeks, I carry her inside me as a sweet memory, a deep yearning and an ache in my soul but at the same time as a reason to be proud and joyful. I hope my music will convey these feelings to you. On this album I chose not to reminisce in the well-known songs, the sounds and the music of Smyrni, for I am neither a musicologist nor a student of tradition. In my own way, I wanted to describe my often contradicting feelings when remembering what took place not only there and then, but also what is unfortunately destined to occur in the future. I believe I ended up writing the music for a film based on Smyrni. A film I am watching today through the eyes of those who lived there yesterday. Music which I hope will exist tomorrow".


Tracklist:

01. Ihni sto homa
02. Horos sto fos tou fengariou
03. To karavani
04. 27 Avgoustou
05. S' agapao fonazo
06. To enigma
07. Saitan Asker
08. Gia tin Smirni
09. Mnimes
10. Ithela
11. Mikrasiatiko dili
12. Peripatos sto Ke
13. Mavros kavalaris
14. Namouna gia ligo eki