THESSALONIKI ODESSA CLASSICS 2025
TRIBUTE TO MIKIS THEODORAKIS: MODES AND MOODS

“Modes and Moods” in music by Mikis Theodorakis
 
This project offers a jazz reinterpretation of the work of Mikis Theodorakis. As the composer himself stated, his musical roots are deeply influenced by Byzantine music—a genre characterized by modal structures and isokratema, creating an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation. These very elements are also to be traced in certain areas of jazz discography, particularly in modal jazz.
The reference to John Coltrane is evident and deliberately emphasized. The setlist spans a significant period of Theodorakis' compositional output, from The Little Cyclades to Axion Esti and the soundtrack of the film Z by Costa-Gavras.

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PROGRAMME

Music: Mikis Theodorakis

1. Beautiful City
Poetry: Yannis Theodorakis (from Deserters)
 
2. The blood of love
Poetry: Odysseas Elytis (from Axion Esti)
 
3. In the evening I open the door
Poetry: Tasos Livaditis (from Ta Lyrika)
 
4. In the orchards
Lyrics: Mikis Theodorakis (from The Song of Dead Brother)
 
5. La cource de manuel (Chase)
Main theme from Kostas Gavras’ film Z
Poetry: Brendan Behan, Translation: Vassilis Rotas (from Brendan Behan’ play The Hostage)
 
6. Marina
Poetry: Odysseas Elytis (from Small Cyclades)
 
7. The little north wind
Poetry: Odysseas Elytis (from Small Cyclades)
 
8. Denial
Poetry: Yiorgos Seferis (from Epiphany)

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This event is part of the “Thessaloniki Odessa Classics 2025” Festival.