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Άταρης
I vowed to the Holy Virgin
not to sing again.
Ataris!
But for your sake
I will break the vow.
Four!
Once again four black eyes
got up to dance.
Ataris!
Four eyebrows like silken cords,
two cool, fresh bodies.
Four!
Translated by Mania Seferiades
Όρκο ’καμα στην Παναγιά — ωχ αμάν, σεβνταλή μ’, αμάν,
πια να μην τραγουδήσω — άταρης, αμάν αμάν, άταρης.
Μα ’γώ για το χατίρι σας — ωχ αμάν, σεβνταλή μ’, αμάν,
τον όρκο θα πατήσω — τέσσερις, αμάν αμάν, τέσσερις.
Πάλιν εβγήκαν στον χορό τέσσερα μαύρα μάτια,
τέσσερα γαϊτανόφρυδα και δυο κορμιά δροσάτα.
It is performed in a criss-cross pattern by two couples (a man and a woman in each pair).
Studio recording (1984). Based on Domna Samiou’s 1977 field recording of the song in Nea Erythraea, Attica, sung by Kleoniki Tzoanaki.
Kleoniki Tzoanaki. Nea Erythraea, Attica 1977
© Domna Samiou Archive
The same song, by Kleoniki Tzoanaki (TV program Musical Travelogue with Domna Samiou – Asia Minor)
Kleoniki Tzoanaki. Nea Erythraea, Attica 1977
© Domna Samiou Archive
Watch a different version of the song by Domna Samiou
Singers
Clarinet
Violin
Santur
Lute
Informant (source of the song)
