Greek Folk Music: The Heart and Soul of Greece

Greek folk music is the heart and soul of Greece. It is a unique and beautiful genre that is steeped in history and culture. If you’re looking to learn more about Greek folk music, this blog is the perfect place to start.

What is Greek Folk Music?

Greek Folk music is the music of the Greek people and includes a wide variety of styles and genres.

Greek folk music is often divided into four categories: music of the Epirus region in northwestern Greece, music of the Dodecanese Islands in southeastern Greece, music of Crete and the Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean Sea, and music of mainland Greece. Each region has its own unique style of folk music, which reflects the influences of the various cultures that have influenced Greece throughout its history.

The most important element of Greek folk music is the bouzouki, a stringed instrument that is played with a pick. The bouzouki originated in Asia Minor and was brought to Greece by Turkish immigrants in the 1920s. It has since become an integral part of Greek folk music.

Other instruments used in Greek folk music include the clarinet, violin, oud (a type of lute), zither, and mandolin. Singing is also an important part of Greek folk music, and many folk songs are based on ancient Greek poetry or epic myths.

Greek folk music has undergone something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years, both in Greece and abroad. This has been due in part to the increasing popularity of world music, as well as to the growing popularity of traditional forms of Greek dance such as zeibekiko and syrtaki.

The Origins of Greek Folk Music

The origins of Greek folk music go back centuries, with influences from both the East and the West. Early Byzantine music was highly influenced by the music of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Orthodox Church, while later medieval music was more influenced by the Latin Church and the Renaissance. In more recent times, French, Italian, Ottoman, and Arabic influences can be heard in Greek folk music.

There are three main types of Greek folk music: mantinades, pentatonic lyra (also known as Cretan lyra), and tsabouna. Mantinades are improvised love songs that were traditionally sung by young men to their beloveds. Pentatonic lyra is a type of folk music that is typically played on a five-stringed instrument known as the Cretan lyra. Tsabouna is a type of folk music that is typically played on a bagpipe-like instrument known as the tsabouna.

Greek folk music has been greatly influenced by the country’s history and geography. The island of Crete, for example, has its own unique style of music that is distinctly different from the rest of Greece. Likewise, the Sarakatsani people, who are a nomadic group that has its roots in Greece but now lives mainly in Bulgaria and Romania, have their own distinct style of music as well.

The Instruments of Greek Folk Music

The music of Greece is as diverse as its people. The Mainland and the Greek islands each have their own musical traditions, and there are also significant differences between the music of the urban and rural areas. This diversity is reflected in the wide variety of instruments used in Greek folk music.

The basilaki is a traditional instrument from Thessaly in mainland Greece. It is a type of fiddle with two strings, which are plucked with a plectrum. The instrument is often used to accompany dances such as the syrtos.

Another popular instrument used in Greek folk music is the bouzouki. This is a stringed instrument with a long neck and a pear-shaped body. It has four or five strings and is played with a plectrum. The bouzouki originated in Asia Minor, but it is now commonly associated with Greece. It is often used to play rebetiko music, which began as the music of the urban working class in the early 20th century.

The daouli is a drum from mainland Greece that has a leather head at each end, which are struck with wooden sticks. It is most commonly used to accompany circle dances such as the syrtos or kalamatianos.

The tsampouna is another traditional Greek instrument that originated in Asia Minor. It is a type of bagpipe that has one reed and two chanters, which produce different notes when you blow into them. The tsampouna is commonly used to play folk songs from Crete.

These are just some of the many instruments that are used in Greek folk music. Each region has its own unique musical traditions, and this diversity contributes to the rich tapestry of Greek culture.

The Characteristics of Greek Folk Music

Most Greek folk music is based on the pentatonic scale, which consists of five notes. This is a very old kind of scale, dating back to ancient Greece, and it’s still used in many kinds of music today. The pentatonic scale has a very distinctive sound, and you’ll often hear it in traditional Greek folk songs.

Another characteristic of Greek folk music is its use of Dorian mode. This is a type of musical scale that was used in ancient Greece, and it gives Greek folk music its characteristic minor key sound. You’ll often hear Greek folk songs in a minor key, which can give them a feeling of sadness or longing.

Greek folk music is also known for its use of syncopation. Syncopation is a type of rhythm where the accent falls on an unexpected beat. This gives Greek folk music its distinctive dancing feel, and you’ll often find yourself tapping your foot or nodding your head along to the rhythm.

Finally, Greek folk music is known for its use of repetition. Many Greek folk songs are based on repeating themes or phrases, which can give them a hypnotic quality. You may find yourself humming or singing along to a Greek folk song long after it’s finished playing.

The Popularity of Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music is the music of the Greek people, both mainland Greeks and Greek diaspora. This musical style is closely related to the music of the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. Many of the traditions have been lost, but some have been kept alive by oral tradition.

Greek folk music has a long history dating back to Antiquity, when Greeks would play music at religious ceremonies and social events. In the Middle Ages, Greek folk music began to take on a more theatrical style, with sung epics and lighthearted dances. By the 18th century, Greek folk music had developed into various regional styles, including Cretan music, Pontic music, and Macedonian music.

Today, Greek folk music is still very popular in Greece and among Greek diaspora communities around the world. The most popular genres include rembetika (a type of urban blues), laïko (a type of urban pop), and entehno (a type of traditional folk).

The Influence of Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music has been a significant part of the country’s culture for centuries. The music is often based on ancient Greek traditions and typically features traditional instruments, such as the lute, mandolin, and violin.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Greek folk music is its use of improvised lyrics. This means that the lyrics are not always predetermined, but are instead created spontaneously by the singer in the moment. This gives Greek folk music a unique and dynamic quality.

Greek folk music has been influence by a number of different factors over the years. One significant influence has been the country’s history of invasion and occupation by foreign powers. This has led to a number of different cultural influences seeping into the traditional music of Greece.

Despite all of these outside influences, Greek folk music has remained true to its roots. The music continues to be an important part of Greece’s culture and remains one of the best ways to experience the country’s rich history and vibrant culture.