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Christos Leontis: Cantata of Freedom

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Title

Christos Leontis: Cantata of Freedom

Date

16 June 2021

Date Issued

2021

Abstract

The Cantata of Freedom is the only contemporary folk music work referring to the 1821 Revolution. Written in melodic poems by Christos Leontis, it includes texts by Rigas, Solomos, Makriyannis. It was written in 1970, recorded with the voice of the composer himself with Anna Synodinou reading and released, with difficulty, on a small vinyl record. Later, “Rigas’ Thourios” was released with the voice of Nikos Xylouris. The entire work, in its final form, was published in an album by the Greek Parliament on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Rigas and the birth of Solomos. The album, in addition to the various texts and historical elements, included a CD with the recording of the entire work, as well as with the notes of the songs, in choral form. The composer’s desire is to present his work, in a new enriched form, first in those cities that in one way or another are connected to the 1821 Revolution, and at a time when historical memory is absolutely necessary. For the live presentation of his work, with the soloists and the folk orchestra, the thought of collaborating and including in a single ensemble the local choirs found a great response. As a result, the celebration takes on a group and folk character, which embraces and sensitises the entire local community. In addition to the Cantata of Freedom, the programme includes other songs from its long-standing synthetic activity. Singers are Miltos Paschalidis, Kostas Triantafyllidis and Ioanna Forti. Narrated by Konstantinos Konstantopoulos and Ourania Basli.

(Edited and translated description from organiser’s website)

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Position: 5258 (26 views)