13th Cretan Music Workshop
6-11 August 2023
13th Meronas Μusic Workshop
Dear friends,
We are pleased to announce the 13th "Μusic Workshop - Meronas 2023", which will be held from the 6th to the 11th of August 2023.This year's workshop will include the following lessons: Cretan lyra, Cretan lute, wind instruments, mandolin, violin, santouri, song and Cretan dances, as well as parallel activities.
Dimitris Sgouros: Cretan lyre
Selected songs from Dermitzoyanni’s albums and different tunes from the Eastern Crete.
The course is aimed at students of an intermediate and upperintermediate level.
There will be no separation between beginners’ and advanced courses.
This means that the student must be relatively experienced with the musical instrument. They must also be able to perform the musical phrases- variants and tunes with their teacher’s guidance. It goes without saying, that additional assistance will be provided at anytime.
Moreover, if someone interested in it and still at a beginner’s level, would like to participate in it and take advantage of the courses, they are more than welcomed to do so.
There is the possibility for someone to participate with a musical instrument of their choice.
Dimitris Sideris: Cretan lute
What will be taught:
Accompaniment and solo interpretation techniques, the role of the instrument and the improvisation of the variations. Special emphasis on the musical form of the Syrtos dance and the urban songs of Crete. The formation of a Cretan lute music group.(There is the possibility of participation of "related" musical instruments)
George Zacharioudakis: Cretan wind instruments
The Wind Instruments of Crete
Interpretation of Cretan music and techniques of performing with Cretan wind instruments (Hammer – “Sfirothiabolo”, Mandoura, Ascomantoura). Theme and variations in Cretan music.
Two sections will be created according to the level of the students (beginners and advanced). Although two groups of different levels will be created, all students will be able to attend both classes if they wish.
(Possibility of participation of "related" musical instruments.)
Michalis Kontaxakis: Cretan Mandolin
Cretan Mandolin - Repertoire and technique
The Cretan Mandolin Seminar is aimed at students of an intermediate and upperintermediate level. We will deal with the adornment of specific tunes in Cretan music and their variants. We will see the characteristics needed that shape what we call “Cretan mandolin”. Goal of this, is for the students to obtain the knowledge that will lead them to the best performing result.
Stratis Skarakis: Violin of Western Crete
Introduction to the Kissamitic musical idiom. Learning musical compositions of the following types:
- Syrta: "Haniotikos-first, Melisianos, 2nd Grabousianos, Kolimbarianos, Therissianos, Pyrgianos"
- Pentozali: Selected turns
- ‘The Rose’
- Rizitiko: "From the tip of the edge"( “Apo tin akri ton akrio “)
Fanis Karousos: Santouri
The Santouri in the Cretan ensemble
Ways of accompaniment.- Sounds and their properties.
- Four- stringed instruments and their use in Cretan Music.
- Melodic lines, variations and improvisation.
- Study and analysis from a selected Cretan repertoire.
Maria Koti: Cretan songs and tunes
Yestarday’s and today’s Cretan music and musicians
In this seminar we will learn about some of the most important representatives of Cretan music through selected typical traditional songs as well as their personal compositions of the entire spectrum of Cretan musical tradition: syrta, tunes of the inland, amanedes of the urban coasts, Cretan-rembetika, “table” songs, lyllabies, rizitika, rituals, and many more.
Special reference to the musical tradition of Rethymnon and to its most significant representatives. The ongoing continuation of the Cretan musical tradition through interpretations and compositions of older and newer creators.
Giakoumakis Nikos - Vangela Katerina: Dance workshop
Cretan Dances - Local idioms
Syrto, Maleviziotis, Pentozali, Sousta, Cretan or Pidihtos (Jumping dance) (improvisation) Zervodexos, Brimianos, Xenombasaris or Manas, "O Agkaliastos tis Ierapetra", Prinianos and Vourgaris tou Krousta.
* Emphasis will be placed on communication between the musician and dancer, with common lessons between the music and dance sections.
(The seminar is aimed at beginners and advanced learners)
Parallel Activities
Cooking: Experiential workshop with guidance from various housewives of the village
Creative activities for children
