A Greek Folk Music Mix for Your Next Party

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Introduction to Greek Folk Music
The Origins of Greek Folk Music
The Instruments of Greek Folk Music
The Styles of Greek Folk Music
The Popularity of Greek Folk Music
A Greek Folk Music Mix for Your Next Party

A Greek Folk Music Mix for Your Next Party – The perfect playlist to get your guests up and dancing!

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Introduction to Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music ( Greek: Ελληνική λαϊκή μουσική) is the traditional music of Greece. It covers a wide range of styles and genres, from the music of Crete and the Dodecanese to Pontian and Cretan music, as well as regional traditions from Thrace to Macedonia.

The music of mainland Greece is often divided into two main musical traditions: Aegean music and Hora music. The first one includes Demotika, Reiïika and Smyrneïka, while the latter one consists of Hora, Pentozali and Horakia. These two types of music often have different instruments (e.g. Demotika is mostly played with laouto or mandolin, while Smyrneïka is mainly a vocal genre); however, both share some common features such as the use of 3/4 time signature or 2/4 time signature.

Interest in modern Greek folk music has been growing not only in Greece itself, but also amongst Greeks living in diaspora. In recent years a number of record labels have been releasing compilations of traditional Greek Folk songs (rebetiko, Smyrnaic etc.), while radio stations such as RadioBreeti in London regularly play this type of music.

The Origins of Greek Folk Music

Most Greek folk music is based on the pentatonic scale, which consists of five musical notes. This scale is also found in folk music from other parts of the world, including Ireland, Scotland, and China. The pentatonic scale creates a sense of stability and order, which may be one reason why it is so popular in folk music. Greek folk music often features heavy use of percussion instruments, such as drums and cymbals. This percussive sound adds to the music’s energetic feel.

The Instruments of Greek Folk Music

The music of Greece is as diverse as its history. Greek folk music includes a variety of styles played by ethnic Greeks in Greece, Cyprus, Australia, the United States and elsewhere.

There are four main types of Greek folk music: rebetiko, laiko, dimotiko and mainland music. Rebetiko is a type of urban folk music that originated in the naval ports of Asia Minor in the late 19th century. Laiko is a type of rural folk music that developed in mainland Greece in the 19th century. Dimotiko is a type of folk music that developed in the island communities of Greece in the 20th century. Mainland music is a type of modern folk music that developed in Athens and other cities in mainland Greece in the 20th century.

The Instruments of Greek Folk Music
Most Greek folk songs are accompanied by one or more of the following instruments:
-The bouzouki: This long-necked lute is the most popular instrument in rebetiko and laiko music. It has four or five metal strings and is played with a pick.
-The baglama: This small string instrument is similar to the bouzouki, but has a shorter neck and only three strings. It is commonly used in rebetiko, laiko and dimotiko music.
-The oud: This Middle Eastern instrument has a pear-shaped body and eleven strings (six main strings and five drone strings). It is commonly used in rebetiko music.
-The violin: This bowed string instrument has four strings and is commonly used in rebetiko, laiko, dimotiko and mainland music.
-The clarinet: This woodwind instrument has a single reed and nine finger holes (eight for fingering notes, one for covering the hole to produce vibrato). It is commonly used in rebetiko, laiko, dimotiko and mainland music

The Styles of Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music (laïká) is the traditional music of Greece. Dionysus is usually credited with creating Greek folk music, and the influence of wine can certainly be seen in much of the subject matter and infectious energy. The songs often tell stories of love, loss, drinking, and dancing, and they are usually accompanied by the bouzouki, a long-necked lute.

There are several different styles of Greek folk music, each with its own regional character. The island of Crete has a particularly rich tradition of folk music, which includes the famous account of the Minotaur sung by Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco.

The Aegean Islands also have a strong tradition of folk music, which is characterized by its own unique scales and melodic patterns. The island of Lesbos is particularly well-known for its folk music, which has a distinctly Ottoman flavor.

The Ionian Islands have a lighter, more upbeat sound than other regions of Greece. This is due in part to the influence of Venetian culture on the islands. Songs from the Ionian Islands often make use of the mandolin, which was introduced to Greece by Venetian traders.

The Peloponnese has a wide variety of folk music styles, due to its varied history and geography. One particularly unusual style is known as karyotikos, which makes use of a special type of bagpipe known as a askomandoura.

And finally, Macedonia has its own unique style of folk music that is characterized by complex rhythms and aggressive lyrics. This style is often played on the laouto, a type of lute that originated in Macedonia.

The Popularity of Greek Folk Music

Greek folk music is a popular choice for parties and other gatherings. The music is often lively and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing. Greek folk music is also very diverse, with different regions of the country having their own unique sound. If you’re looking for a Greek folk music mix for your next party, here are some of the most popular songs:

“Opa!” – This is one of the most famous Greek folk songs and is often played at weddings and other celebrations. The song is about celebrating life and enjoying oneself.

“Syrtaki” – This is a slower, more solemn Greek folk song that is often played during funerals or other somber occasions.

“Zorba’s Dance” – This is another famous Greek folk song that is commonly played at parties and other festive occasions. The song is named after the protagonist of the novel “Zorba the Greek” and was popularized by the 1968 film adaptation of the book.