Credits:

Brahms / Moragues / Poltera

Description:

Skalkottas is known for his achievements in leading the Greek music world in the first half of the 20th century. He studied violin at the Athens Conservatory and then went to Berlin. He then turned to composition, studying with Paul Euon, Kurt Weill, and Philippe Jarnach, and also took a keen interest in twelve-tone music, participating in Schoenberg's master classes. After returning to Greece, he composed many works using the twelve-tone technique, as well as many dances based on Greek folk music. This album contains mainly two works, "Greek Dances" and "Suite No. 1," which fully employ elements of folk music. This suite was reconstructed from memory by Skalkottas himself in later years from the general score he had left behind in Berlin, and has a unique tone that incorporates atonal and neoclassical elements in a well-balanced manner. The 1949 ballet music "Sea," which includes the album title "Dance of the Waves," is a descriptive piece. It is a familiar tune dominated by tonality. The National Orchestra of Athens, where Skalkottas was a violinist, performs this piece. The first collection of Skalkottas' works (8.574154), also conducted by Tsilias, is also highly acclaimed. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 1. Tsamikos - 'An Eagle'
2.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 2. Cretikos
3.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 3. Epirotikos
4.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 4. Pelponnesiakos
5.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 5. Cretikos - 'I Enjoy No Other Dance'
6.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 6. Klephtikos
7.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 7. Sifneikos
8.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 8. Kalamatianos
9.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 9. Dance of Zalongo
10.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 10. Macedonikos
11.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 11. 'O Lads, Who Threw the Apple...?'
12.36 Greek Dance for orchestra, AK 11, Series I~No. 12. Thessalikos
13.The Sea, folk ballet. Three excerpts for chamber orchestra from AK 14~I. The Trawler: Moderato - Andante
14.The Sea, folk ballet. Three excerpts for chamber orchestra from AK 14~II. 'Nocturne' (Calm): Andante moderato - Calmo espressivo
15.The Sea, folk ballet. Three excerpts for chamber orchestra from AK 14~III. Dance of the Waves: Allegro molto vivace
16.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~I. Overture: Moderato
17.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~II. Tema con Variazioni: Allegretto - Allegro - Andante - Allegretto
18.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~III. March: Allegro giusto
19.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~IV. Romance: Adagio
20.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~V. Siciliano - Barcarole: Allegretto moderato
21.Suite No. 1 for large orchestra, AK 3a~VI. Finale - Rondo: Presto