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Καστρινός (Μαλαβιζιώτικος)
Crete, the largest island of Greece, constitutes the cradle of the ancient Minoan civilization. Today, the palace of Knossos, near Heraklion, is considered its most emblematic monument.
Cretan songs and dances, which often are based on ancient Greek scales, are mainly accompanied by the Cretan lyra, whose characteristic timbre gives liveliness to the rhythms.
The pear-shaped lyra is made from a single piece of hard wood for the body and neck, while the soundboard is made of soft, white wood, such as pine. It has three strings and tuning pegs (striftalia). In the past, it also carried one, two, or even three sympathetic strings, something which nowadays is rare. The soul (post = support) is wedged between the body and the right end of the bridge — unlike the instruments of the violin family, in which the soul is placed between the body and both ends of the bridge.
The lyra is played with the help of a bow, which in the past was decorated with small bells that kept the rhythm. It is tuned in parallel fifths or, on some islands, à la turca (intervals of perfect fifth and fourth). To produce the sound, the lyra player does not press the strings with the fingertips (as in the violin), but touches them with the nail from the side.
The musician, when sitting, plays holding the instrument in an upright or slightly tilted position, resting it on his left knee; if standing or walking, he supports it on his belt.
Phoebus Anogianakis, Greek Folk Musical Instruments, p. 38
In Crete, there are four main types of dances: the syrtos, danced mainly in the Chania region; the sousta, a characteristic dance of Rethymno; and the pentozalis along with the kastrinos, dances originating from Heraklion. The kastrinos is a jumping, joyful, and masculine dance. Cretans often refer to Heraklion as “Kastro” (Castle), since the city was once surrounded by walls; from this comes the adjective “kastrinos,” which denotes origin or connection to Heraklion.
Based on Domna Samiou’s 1965 field recording of the tune in Chania.
Cretan lyra
Lute
