Two sides of the same…myth: Manolis Kalomiris’ and Nikos Kazantzakis’ ideological affiliations
This lecture will focus on the ideological affiliations between Manolis Kalomiris (1883 – 1962) and Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 – 1957), two influential figures of twentieth-century Greece. Manolis Kalomiris was a composer who led a mission of the formation of music institutions in Greece that expanded a young nation’s cultural potential, increased its music understanding, and enhanced its reputation through the European Continent. According to recent musicological research Kalomiris is considered one of the most significant figures of the Greek National School of music or even the founding father of the Greek National School. Kazantzakis is arguably one of the most important Greek writers and philosophers of the 20th century. He is mostly celebrated for his novel Zorba the Greek, his most well known work globally.
During this lecture I will discuss Kazantzakis’ works which were adapted into music dramas by Kalomiris positioning the works in relation to the historical and political affairs of their era. I will analyze the messages communicated by both Kazantzakis’ plays and Kalomiris’ dramas in order to reveal ideological affiliations between the two pioneers. At the end of lecture there will be a performance of parts of the works discussed.
Programme
Manolis Kalomiris: The Master Builder (Ο Πρωτομάστορας), Introduction.
Manolis Kalomiris: The Master Builder (Ο Πρωτομάστορας), “Αχ! Έλα, στην πυρωμένη αγκάλη σου σπαράζω” [Ah! come, in your arms I tear to pieces].
Manolis Kalomiris: The Master Builder (Ο Πρωτομάστορας), “Τον Αγαπώ” [I love him].
Manolis Kalomiris: The Master Builder (Ο Πρωτομάστορας), “Αχ! Πονώ...” [Ah! I suffer]
Manolis Kalomiris: Constantine Palaiologos (Κωνσταντίνος Παλαιολόγος): “Μείναμε τώρα πια, ψυχή...” [We are alone now, my soul…]
Manolis Kalomiris: Chant Grec, for flute and piano
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Soprano (Smaragda): Sólbjörg Björnsdóttir
Bass (Constantine Palaiologos): Michael Koullias
Piano: Vital Stahievitch
Flute: Konstantinos Andreou
Amsterdam University, CREA, Muziekzaal, Turfdraagsterpad 17, Amsterdam, 23 September, 15:30h