Composer

:

Alan Hovhaness

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

11:20

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Greek Folk Dances (7), Op. 150 is a composition by American composer Alan Hovhaness. The piece was composed in 1974 and premiered on May 5, 1975, by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. The work is divided into seven movements, each of which is based on a traditional Greek folk dance. The first movement, "Kalamatianos," is a lively dance in 7/8 time. The second movement, "Tsakonikos," is a slower dance in 4/4 time, featuring a prominent clarinet solo. The third movement, "Kleftikos," is a fast dance in 2/4 time, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and use of the tambourine. The fourth movement, "Syrtos," is a moderate dance in 4/4 time, featuring a prominent violin solo. The fifth movement, "Karsilamas," is a fast dance in 9/8 time, characterized by its use of the zurna (a traditional Greek wind instrument) and the davul (a traditional Greek drum). The sixth movement, "Hasapikos," is a moderate dance in 4/4 time, featuring a prominent bouzouki solo. The final movement, "Zonaradikos," is a fast dance in 9/8 time, characterized by its use of the clarinet and the lyra (a traditional Greek string instrument). Overall, Greek Folk Dances (7), Op. 150 is a lively and colorful work that showcases Hovhaness's skill in incorporating traditional folk music into his compositions. The piece is notable for its use of traditional Greek instruments and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of Western classical music techniques.

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