Κόρη ξανθή τραγούδησε ⬥ A fair maid did sing upon a rope bridge, but the bridge collapsed, and the river stood still. And the river spirit came to her and asked: – Girl, if you are still a maid, may you never know a man, and if you’ve children and [...]
Πανηγυράκι γίνεται (Local Dance of Saint George) ⬥ A festival is being held, high up around Saint George’s. – Salutations, Frankish lord! A multitude was at the feast and there was little water, – Coming ! Out of there! Show me! A ribbon and a maypole, a ribbon loosely woven, [...]
Καλογριά γκαστρώθηκε ⬥ A nun swelled up with child and bore a manly boy. Within a month he was carrying a sword, within a year a musket and at three or four he set off to war. His mother told him, she advised him thus: – Kostantis, do as the [...]
Σεργιάνι 'ναι στη Σεργιανή ⬥ Studio recording (1986). Based on Simon Karas' recording which belongs to the Association for the Dissemination of Greek National Music.
Όλοι πάνε στην εκκλησά ⬥ All attend –for sake of Christ– all attend at church to exclaim that "Christ is Risen!" and to hear the Word. As for me, they send me to the shore to guard some sailing vessels. I can see some sailing ships approach and boats are [...]
Τ’ Αντρούτσου η μάνα ⬥ Androutsos’ mother is glad, Androutsos’ mother is glad and Diakos’ proud. For they have warriors and captains for sons who set the Turks to flight, spahis and janissaries, one at the Inn of Gravia, the other at Alamana. Translated by Michael Eleftheriou 1spahis: a cavalryman [...]
Θεια μου Νικολάκαινα ♦ Explicit carnival song from Euboea. Live recording from the concert "Carnival Songs with Domna Samiou", held on 4/3/2003 at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
Φέξε μου, φεγγαράκι μου ⬥ Come on shine, dear moon, beam, moon dear, light the way to my love. Beam high and low, for it's muddy and wet; beam still lower, so I can go still quicker. Translated by Michael Eleftheriou
Ας είν' η ώρα η καλή ⬥ A traditional local dance performed during weddings and engagements, commonly known as ''klistos" (closed) or "nyfiatikos" (bridal). Based on Domna Samiou's 1976 field recording in Kymi, Euboea.
Περάσαν οι Αποκριές ⬥ Why, Carnival is ended now, and Cheese-week’s past as well, and, gracious me, the Lenten fast, the Lenten fast’s with us. The Lenten fast’s upon us now, a fast of seven weeks. Come close to me, I will not come, for I am young and am [...]
Συννέφιασε στον Παρνασσό ⬥ Studio recording (1961). Released on an extended play 45 rpm disc (Philips 8433, 1961), supervised by Domna Samiou (Recordings in 45 RPM).
Καβοντορίτικο ⬥ The tune is a 2-beat rhythm from Euboea. Live recording from 1990 at the Panorama Cultural Society in Athens. Nikos Oikonomidis on violin.
Τα πήρανε τα πρόβατα ♦ One of the countless melodies for vertical flute (floghera) in free rhythm, often heard in the Greek countryside, played by shepherds as they watch over their grazing flocks. The piece concludes with a short epilogue in 4/4 meter.
Κείνο τ’ αστέρι το λαμπρό ⬥ An interesting example of an instrumental table song in free rhythm, performed by Aristides Vassilaris (flute), recorded in 1974.
Συμπάθησέ με γειτονιά ⬥ Studio recording (1968). Released the same year on the LP Songs of Central Greece and Peloponnese (Fidelity 4012 PY, 1968), supervised by Domna Samiou.
Θρήνος μεγάλος έγινε ⬥ Great sorrow was expressed in Mesolonghi town; for they are taking Markos to the church, my lads. They’re taking Markos to the church for burial; sixty priests walk on ahead. A wind disturbs the branches of the broad-leaved trees. Good Lord, preserve from harm Greek children [...]
Πέθαν’ ο Κρέας ♦ He’s dead, o mother dear, he’s dead is Master Meat, and Master Cheese is dying. Now Master Leek lifts up his tail and Master Onion his beard, and Mistress Chard, that saucy Chard, sits upon the rim, all ready for the pot.
