Greek Folk Music: Where to Find Sheet Music

Trying to find sheet music for Greek folk music can be difficult. Here are some tips on where to look to find the music you need.

Introduction

Greek folk music is a living tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The music is an important part of Greek culture, and it is often played at weddings, funerals, and other important occasions.

Greek folk music is usually performed on traditional instruments such as the violin, mandolin, and accordion. If you’re interested in learning to play Greek folk music, you may be wondering where to find sheet music for these songs.

There are a few different sources that you can try:

-The Greece Music Information Centre (GMIC) has a library of over 30,000 pieces of Greek sheet music, including many traditional folk songs. You can search for specific songs or browse by instrument.
-Many Greek composers have published their own collections of folk songs. Try searching for “Greek folk music” on an online retailer such as Amazon or iTunes.
-If you know of a local Greek community or cultural organization, they may have some resources that you can use. For example, the Hellenic Cultural Association of London has a library of over 3,000 pieces of Greek sheet music.

Learning to play Greek folk music can be a great way to connect with your heritage or simply enjoy some beautiful melodies. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the sheet music you need to get started.

What is Greek Folk Music?

Greek Folk music is the music of the Greek people. It is often characterized by its use ofMode, which is a musical scale based on a series of natural harmonic overtone series. Greek folk music also uses many different instruments, such as the laouto (a lute-like instrument), the lyra (a string instrument), the violin, and the clarinet.

The Instruments of Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music is unique and characteristic, with a sound that is immediately recognizable. It features a wide range of instruments, from the well-known bouzouki and baglama to the more unusual daouli and lavta. If you’re interested in playing Greek folk music, you’ll need to find music specifically written for the instruments you want to play. Here are some resources to help you find sheet music for the instruments of Greek folk music.

-Bouzouki: The bouzouki is a long-necked, stringed instrument that is commonly used in Greek folk music. You can find bouzouki sheet music at websites like Noteflight and Sheet Music Plus.

-Baglama: The baglama is a small, stringed instrument that is similar to the bouzouki. You can find baglama sheet music at websites like Noteflight and Sheet Music Plus.

-Daouli: The daouli is a hand drum that is commonly used in Greek folk music. You can find daouli sheet music at websites like Noteflight and Sheet Music Plus.

-Lavta: The lavta is a stringed instrument that is similar to the bouzouki. You can find lavta sheet music at websites like Noteflight and Sheet Music Plus.

The History of Greek Folk Music

Though contemporary Greek music is widely known and loved throughout the world, its roots lie in the music of ancient Greece. Archaeologists have found evidence of musical instruments dating back to 1500 BCE, and though most of what we know about ancient Greek music comes from literary sources, we can infer that it was an important part of Greek culture. Music was often played at religious ceremonies, funerals, and public events such as athletic competitions.

There are three main types of Greek folk music: styles that originated in mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, and Crete. Each style has its own unique characteristics, but all are based on the nisiotika, a traditional form of music that dates back to ancient times. The nisiotika consists of slow movements punctuated by fast-paced ones; this give-and-take between slow and fast tempo is a defining feature of all Greek folk music.

Mainland Greece is home to many different regional styles of folk music; among the most well-known are the tsifteteli from Macedonia, the syrtos from Crete, and the zeybekiko from Istanbul. The Aegean Islands have their own distinctive style of music called maniatiko; maniatiko songs are often sad or nostalgic in tone, and they often make use of unusual time signatures. Finally, Crete is home to a style called kantadhes; like maniatiko songs, kantadhes often have a melancholic feeling, but they tend to be more upbeat than maniatiko songs overall.

If you’re interested in learning more about Greek folk music or finding sheet music for some of these traditional tunes, there are a few resources you can turn to. One option is to check out online radio stations that specialize in streaming traditional Greek music; this is a great way to get a feel for different styles and see what you like best. You can also search for “Greek folk music” on websites like iTunes and Amazon Music; while you won’t find traditional sheet music here, you will be able to purchase albums with recorded versions of popular folk tunes. Finally, if you want to try your hand at playing some traditional Greek tunes yourself, there are a few books that contain sheet music for nisiotika and other popular folk genres; one such book is “The Real Book of Greeks Folk Songs” by Antonis Tsapatakis.

The Different Types of Greek Folk Music

There are many different types of Greek folk music, each with its own history and traditions. The most popular and well-known type is probably the ‘rembetika’,originating from Asia Minor and the Aegean Islands. This style of music is traditionally played on the bouzouki (a long-necked lute) and often features bittersweet lyrics about love, loss, and life in general. Other popular styles include the ‘laiko’, which is more up-tempo and often features festive lyrics, and the ‘syrtaki’, a slower, more reflective type of music that is often heard during mournful occasions such as funerals.

Where to Find Greek Folk Music

If you’re looking for music to celebrate your Greek heritage, or just want to add a little flavor to your music collection, you might be wondering where to find Greek folk music. Traditional Greek folk music is characterized by its use of bouzouki, a stringed instrument similar to a mandolin, and often features a distinctive 12/8 time signature.

Although not as well known as other Mediterranean styles such as flamenco or tango, Greek folk music has been gaining in popularity in recent years. If you’re interested in exploring this unique genre, here are a few places to start your search:

1. Start with the classics. Some of the most famous pieces of Greek folk music are over 100 years old, but they still sound fresh today. Akrites (The Border Guards), for example, is a classic ballad that tells the story of a group of soldiers who defend their homeland from invaders.

2. Look for contemporary takes on traditional themes. In the last few decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in Greek folk music, and many contemporary performers have put their own spin on traditional tunes. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out artists like Peggy Zina or Mariza Koch.

3. Check out compilations and anthologies. If you’re not sure where to start, or just want to sample a variety of tunes, there are several excellent compilation albums available that feature both classic and contemporary Greek folk songs. Try Folk Songs of Greece from Nonesuch Records, or The Rough Guide to the Music of Greece from World Music Network.

4. Search online stores and streaming services. With the popularity of digital music services like iTunes and Spotify, it’s easy to find almost any type of music you’re looking for online. A quick search for “Greek folk music” will turn up plenty of options for both downloading and streaming tunes from this interesting genre.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of ways to find sheet music for Greek folk songs. Whether you want to purchase a book of folk songs or download them from the internet, there are several options available to you. If you have difficulty finding a specific song, try contacting a local music store or the Greek consulate in your area. With a little effort, you should be able to find the perfect music for your next Greek folk music performance.