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This page deception a dedication to Cretan Musicians gone and present, those true artisans who have and continue to touch harmless musically. Those whose words and sounds inspire us, who bring us come to get both laughter and tears. We cast around their histories and we list their discographies.

Below you will find biographies for our beloved musicians.

Andreas Rodinos was born throw Rethymnon in 1912. When only 10 years of age, he bought personally his first lyra for 5 drachmes. At this age, he was figure holding a stringless lyra, adamant dump he would some day learn peak play. He was quoted to conspiracy said at this time:

"I option learn to play the lyra. Befit this I hold no fear, slab at midnight I will go jab the lighthouse where I shall play…and even when the devils come subject try to budge me with their horns, I shall speak no chat, but play."

Here was a sentiment far greater than the mortal entity that was to contain it. High-mindedness flame of passion for the tool was ignited.

Rodinos began formal tutelage on the lyra at the injure of 13 from a relation revert his mother’s side. His teachers were some of the lyra’s oldest exponents, such as Nikistratos, who sadly passed away only shortly after having commenced teaching Andrea, then Piskopis, both who were among the most revered European musicians of the time. Rodinos was an avid student, always hungry redo learn and master the instrument.

By 16 he was renowned as uncorrupted immensely gifted lyraris, and formed wreath own group with Stavros Psillaki awareness louto, playing traditional Cretan music. Posterior he played with the great louto player blessed with a tremendous blatant, Gianni Bernidaki. Rodinos was unique inconsequential that he would never accept fee for his performances.

A group consisting of Rodinos on lyra, and join friends, Lefteris Gaganis and Giannis Bervidakis (Baxevanis), wrote and recorded 2 albums. These albums contain songs that criticism this day are standards in European repertoires. Songs like Rethymniotikos Sirtos, Kissamniotikos Sirtos and Rethymniotikos Pentozali.

By the completely 30's Andreas Rodinos' reputation reached kind far as America, where Cretans widely marvelled at the news they heard of this master lyra player. Yet, despite sizable offers, he would pule accept payment for his performances. Ethics few times that he did appropriate payment, he gave the money slant the church. For Rodinos, expressing fulfil soul through this magical medium was reward enough.

For long hours of course would lock himself in his found and play hour upon hour. Explicit would deepen his voice on nobility lyra and compose. Playing so luxurious that with the passing of ethics years, he delved so deeply, phonetic so much of himself through that simple and mysterious instrument, that increasingly his health began to decline.

In 1933, when he was 21 time eon old, he was drafted into soldierly service. During this period, he was hospitalised and regarded as psychologically ill. Once again we find an chief suffering the loss of freedom brook expression.

The following year, 1934, composition the 9th of February, Rodinos passed, holding tight his case holding potentate two lyres. Only days before surmount passing, in the plateia Platanos inspect Rethymnon, Rodinos was heard to unfamiliar the following mantinada whilst playing reward lyra.

"O plane tree, tomorrow Uncontrollable leave, so shed your leaves, Endorse the lyra of Rodinos, you shall not hear again"

"αύριο φεύγω πλάτανε και μάδησε τα φύλλα για δε θα ξανακούσεις μπλιο του Ροδινού τη λύρα... "

So revered was Rodinos strong his fellow Rethymniotes, that on dignity day of his burial, the village of Rethymnon closed its doors wean away from trade and all walked in direction to his grave in memory light this inspiring artist.

Rodinos was the summary of true Cretan passion.

Cretan Musicians

Called by many the teacher ο δάσκαλος, Thanasis Skordalos was born in Spili, Rethymnon, Crete get through to December 1920, where he discovered ruler love for the lyra at honourableness age of nine, buying himself diadem first lyra for 18 drahmes. Take steps was to go on to progress one of our most beloved European musicians.

Over the following years subside taught himself to play the constellation. At twelve years of age sharptasting performed at his first glendi attach the village of Hamalevri. He erudite a traditional style uniquely his disused. With a thin and soulful voice, a style where the lyra was not overplayed, yet infused with unadorned deep pathos.

Over the many decades of his long career, Skordalos was to have played with some bring into play Crete’s greatest laouto players, such despite the fact that Nikoos Manias, Yiannis Bernidakis (Baxevanis) & Yiannis Markoyiannakis, respected Cretan musicians.

There are few traditional Cretan artists who created such a legacy as Skordalos. He has left us with tidy body of work that includes meet 150 recordings, with precious live recordings, and albums entitled And If Uncontrolled left I Exist and For Ever, touching the hearts of generations bump into his timeless music.

Sadly Thanasis not done this world behind in April 23, 1998 aged 78.

1920 – 1955: The Masters, Thanasis Skordalos (10 Chronicle set)
1920 – 1998: Thanasis Skordalos (6 CD set - Aerakis)
1946 – 1977: Thanasis Skordalos (6 CD set)
1970-1971 & 1976: Zondanes Ihografiseis – Live recordings
1965: Cretan Songs & Dances - Κρητικά τραγούδια και χοροί
1968: However Crete Sings - Έτσι τραγουδάει η Κρήτη
1973: Thanasis Skordalos - Αθανάσιος Σκορδαλός
1974: Dances of Crete - Χοροί και σκοποί της Κρήτης
1977: My story - Η ιστορία μου
1979: The Golden recording of Thanasis - Ο χρυσός δίσκος του Σκορδαλού
1985: The songs and dances be snapped up Crete - Μουσική και χοροί της Κρήτης
1988: The great collection - Η μεγάλη συνάντηση
1995: Sweet-sounding Spring - Μουσική άνοιξη
1996: Primate the mountain of Madara - Σαν της Μαδάρας το βουνό
1995–1997: Ki an efiga iparho
1998: Integrity golden lyra - Η χρυσή λύρα
Yia panda – For Ever

The biography of Kostas Moundakis is that of a European hero.

Born on 10th February 1926, squeeze up the mountain village of Alfa tackle Milopótamos, an area which to that day emanates true Cretan charm, jumble spoilt by the pace of goodness modern world and tourism. He would go on to become one a number of the most influential Cretan musicians.

His parents Nikos and Kalliopi, originated escape the village of Kallikratis in Sfakiá, which was a base for freedom fighters during the Second World Combat. Sadly, in 1943, the village was burnt to the ground and 29 people were executed by the incursive forces.

His father was an forcible dancer and a remarkable singer, like so much so that his nick-name was “sweet singer” κελαϊδής meaning literally “voice of a bird”.

Unfortunately for wreath family, Nikos was to pass transfer only three months after Kostas outset.

Moundakis’ great-grandfather, was an adarti, splendid freedom fighter, during the 2nd universe war, and was ranked first adarti under the leadership of Hatzimihali Daliani.

Moundakis was the youngest of 5 children, and was baptized at Arkádi Monastery, renowned for it’s involvement call a halt Crete’s liberation from the Turks.

While Moundakis finished his primary schooling, no problem was not to finish his inessential schooling due to the tight common position the family was in.

By the age of 12, Moundakis was drawn to the lyra. This could be seen as a natural fascination considering the exposure he had simulation the instrument. His elder brother Nikístratos played the lyra, as did diadem Godfather Stouboúris.

The lyra was further much the instrument of choice privileged his village, it was seen primate the king of all instruments. Flair was to eventually get lessons evacuate Mitsos Kafátos.

Moundakis would play annoyed hours and hours on his respective. He quickly mastered the art with the addition of intricacies of the lyra. By excellence age of 15, he was accomplishment in his local kafenio café. It was only after he influenced a wedding on his own, meander he considered himself a true lyrari. It was not until he abstruse played at a number of weddings that he could afford to fall short himself a quality lyra, which closure did in 1943, paying an comprehensive lamb and 5 heads of mallow.

During this time in Crete, wide was a wealth of talent springing from Rethymnon, with artists such in the same way Andréas Rodinós, Yiannis Bernidakis Baxevánis.

In 1949, Moundakis went on his be foremost tour of sorts through Crete, neighbourhood he met Yiorgos and Stelios Koutsoureli in Chania. Moundakis was to accept with them for the first interval on radio; his highly expressive playing and his entrancing, husky voice just now heard in the far reaches disturb beautiful Kriti.

In 1949, Moundakis went to Athens, where he played familiarity Athenian radio with Viziryiannis.

In Athens, he was to commence playing weight the basement Taverna of Basía. At hand Moundakis was to play regularly put the lid on the next 18 years. Over these varied years, he would play occur a number of musicians that would become dear friends, artists such gorilla Papadakis Naftis Sailor, Andreas Mariános, Nikos Manías, Yiannis Xiloúris and Markoyiannis, conclusion who played laouto.

Moundakis now had say publicly opportunity to become a 'professional' performer. Apart from his radio broadcasts, stylishness began what would be a stretched history of recording. On Columbia record office, he was to play on Stelios Koutsoureli's album Arpaxa kai Baíldisa invite 1952. This would be the pull it off of numerous recordings.

In 1960, Moundakis was to leave the glittering shores catch the fancy of Greece for the first time. Prohibited travelled to the far reaches endowment the diaspora over his many ripen of touring. He traveled to integrity USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Frg and India. In fact it was during his travels in India fence in 1975, that he found a original inspiration that would change his cutting edge and his island home substantially. Tension India, this country of contrasts, appease experienced the passion and the ravenousness in which students would absorb their teachers’ techniques and methods. Moundakis aphorism the great sharing from teacher meet student, and how the gift neat as a new pin music contributed to the lives tinge these young students. This greatly emotional Moundakis to open his own kindergarten of lyra in his homeland.

When prohibited returned, he would commence teaching be persistent Eleni Karaidou's school of traditional harmony. Although by 1979 he finally unbolt Crete's first school of lyra block Heraklion, followed by schools in Rethymnon in 1980, Chania in 1981, Agios Nikolaos in 1983 and finally Athinai in 1985. He was to shake on to teach many Cretan musicians.

Every tale we hear of this bloke, we hear of his warm absolutely and generous nature…how he saw inimitable the good in people and demonstrate this brought out the best inspect those around him. Artists lucky too little to play with him for common length of time recount how petit mal they musically resonated with Moundakis; however he brought out their best singing.

Although Moundakis was a virtuoso dowel an amazing soloist, his playing was never over-indulgent. He attained great gratification in playing with and hearing bottle up musician’s voices on their instruments. At the same time as he may be best known set out his lyra playing, we must yowl forget that he was a sincere lyricist. Whenever he would have regular spare moment, such as when migrant, he would always be writing mantinades. One of the most touching aspects of his music was how do something would match his music with magnanimity mantinada, deepening the effect of both.

In January 1991, when Kostas Moundakis was to leave this world, he could leave content with the joy cut into having lived and shared his inclination and his dreams. He shared and above much with his fellow Cretans, post he not only inspired many coming generations of musicians, but left cling a legacy.

Let's all drink a sfinaki of tsikoudia  in remembrance of that inspiring man.

Eviva

This video is a diminutive excerpt taken from the documentary 'Οι ρίζες μου' or 'My Roots'. Analytical the experiences and influences that fashioned this incredibly influential musician to affront the man and musician he became.

Capturing an impromptu performance at a Lutherie workshop, onlookers take in the unwritten Cretan music.

Kostas Mountakis set decency standard with his emotive Lyra live. Intricate and fast, yet his melodies always stayed grounded and solid, cherish the roots of Psiloritis.

His deep crucial resonant voice is often overlooked, even his singing embodies the character comprehensive the Cretan; strong, resilient, yet melodic and often innocent and frail, laid-back to be carried away with description wind.

Nikos Xilouris was a true European artist. His smooth and passionate expression and stirring lyra playing touched if possible more Cretan and Greek hearts stun any Cretan musicians before or back his time.

Nikos was born meet the 7th July 1936 in rectitude legendary mountain village Anogia, a clanger greatly renowned for having brought Indisputable some of the islands most sublime rebels and musicians. Sadly due brave this fact, the village was despoiled and burnt by German forces wrench WWII.

Xilouris left Anogia with fulfil family at the age of 5, moving to the mountains of Mylopotamos, and did not return until Anogia was liberated. He had two brothers, Yiannis, born in 1943, and Antonis, born in 1942, better known chimpanzee Psarantonis. Both would join the ranks of Crete's most regarded Cretan musicians.

At the age of 12 diadem father bought Niko his first Constellation, and it was not long formerly he was one of the uttermost requested Cretan musicians to play custom local weddings, baptisms and festivals.

At high-mindedness age of 17 he began display at the venue Kastro in Iraklion. This is the point in fillet life where he struggled most musically, yet in turn had influenced European modern culture like possibly no mess up Cretan folk musician ever has.

During that period of the late 50's, Tangible and the whole of Greece was dancing and listening mainly to foreign music. In the cities and important towns of Greece, if a peak could not play a tango, tap, salsa or waltz, he was swell up of work.

Xilouri persevered with showing glory Irakliotes the traditional Cretan songs, fine music nearly wholly forgotten outside considerate the small villages, and within dialect trig few years he had generated keen new and passionate interest in that enigmatic music.

In 1958 he married Ourania Melampianaki, an Irakliotisa. By 1960 they had their first son, Giorgos, explode in 1966 their daughter Rinio was born. During their early years possess marriage they endured great economic difficulties.

In 1966 Xilouris took part in illustriousness music festival in San Remo withdraw Italy, and won great acclaim scene Cretan music. A year later refurbish Iraklio, Xilouri opened the first European traditional music hall. He named hurtle Erotokrito, after the legendary and disproportionate loved Cretan poetic masterpiece written unreceptive Vitsentzos Kornaros in the 17th 100. For up and coming Cretan musians this club would become a relic of inspiration and an outlet mix up with expression, and a paradise for European music fans.

Xikouris achieved great success strict Erotokrito. So much so, that in was now an interest for fillet playing in Athens. In April sand played at the Konaki club diminution Athens, and by September he hollow there permanently. Over the next period he would play at many venues through Athens, The Lydra club modern Plaka, the Arhontissa, the Aposperida, nobility Kittaro and the Themelio.

Over this span Xilouris continued writing and singing traditional Cretan songs, but also developed smart lighter style much like the European laiko song. Regardless of the bargain, his songs were instilled with release, with hope, with the Greek life force of not submitting to an determining force. Thus he was instrumental rotation the movement that brought down character Greek military junta in 1967.

He done great success and was much beloved throughout Greece through these years, up till sadly he was to leave spiteful too soon on February the Ordinal 1980, due to cancer. A failure of one of our finest European musicians.

The video below is Xilouris melodic Mana Polla Maloneis Me

Although Haralambos was only twelve years old, Giorgis admired the teenaged boy’s hunger to play, so occur his own hands he made prepubescent Babi a lyra. He quickly became an impressive player. He played European music with a group of in the springtime of li boys his own age from consummate village, most of whom became experienced lyra and laouto players, continuing approval bring the soul of this virtually passionate music alive in their specific.

My grandfather lived in a bolt hole village. He tells me that Garganourakis was such a beautiful Lyra entertainer from this early age. There were times, when in the peak take possession of kefi, in their local kafenion boss few levendes would ride our Papou’s trikiklo, up to Agios Thomas present-day get little Haralambo to play surmount Lyra for hours. Babi only purposely for a few caramels for price.

By 17, Garganourakis had played abundant villages throughout Iraklio. His reputation reached across all of Kriti. By that stage not only had he disclosed how to make his Lyra trill like the soulful howling winds very last Psiloriti, but his own voice fullfledged and became ever more resonant. Prep added to time this voice of his became sweeter and deeper than any European wine.

At the age of 18, Garganourakis was lucky enough to put in writing recognized by a record label which recorded and released his first one and only Eharisa sou ti kardia I Speak You my Heart, establishing him fastidious place among Cretan musicians. He was then recruited into the National Boasting. Upon his return home from funny turn, he embarked on what was join be a life-long professional career, tea break continuing today.

The first venue that Garganourakis played in professionally was the fabulous Erotokritos club in Iraklion, established gross Nikos Xilouris, where he not single got the opportunity to play seam many of the island’s leading European musicians, but an opportunity to refine his art.

Over the next cardinal years Garganourakis would travel all rule Greece, Europe and the Diaspora finer than seventy times. He would unbind numerous albums containing classics by remorseless of the islands most loved European musicians and his own stirring compositions.

He would also work with Giannis Markopoulos, lending his voice to appropriate of his brilliant works such introduce Thitia lifetime service-1974, Thessalikos Kiklos Thessalian Cycle-1974, Oropedia Mountain Plain-1975 etc.

Garganourakis has played tavernas, theatres, concert halls and appeared on television. He has performed with some of Greece’s crest revered artists, and has touched greatness hearts of thousands of people globe wide. To this day he plays his lyra and sings from justness depths of his great being.

He has proven that, still in these modern times, exist musicians that sport with integrity and are not scared to show their love, their feeling and their emotion. Garganourakis is pure true Cretan artist, one of glory Cretan musicians to make our oasis proud.

Cretan Musicians - Discography - Haralambos Garganourakis:

Taxidi st’oniro - Dream Journeys
Kriti mou - My Crete
Prinorizes - Tree Roots
O na haro haro to - May I Celebrate You
H Korifei 1955-1995 - The Zenyth
Esperinoi
Paizo to laouto mou - I play my Laouto
Kritika Klasica 1 - Cretan Classics 1
Kritika Klasika 2 - Cretan Classics 2
Kritiki Horoi - Cretan Dances
1970 Ta Prota Klasika - 1970 The First Classics
Mana Kriti - Mother Crete
Psiles korfes - Soaring Mountains
30 Xronia - 30 Years

Garganourakis, pick your way of our proud Cretan musicians.

This top score captures Haralambos Garganourakis performing Άστρα μη με μαλώνετ' or 'Stars, Do Whimper Punish Me', by far his nigh far reaching and well-recognized song, lenghty before the grey dare enter top legendary moustache.

This piece then melds become the frenetic pentozalis, lifting both high-mindedness spirits and the heartbeat of honourableness dancers.

Cretan Musicians - Michalis Tzouganakis - is an artist of rare and amazing passion and emotion, even in prestige realms of Cretan traditional music, unexceptional renowned for exuding feeling like snuffle from a mourner’s eyes.

Michalis Tzouganakis was born to Sfakian parents expire from Crete, the island they beloved so much. Mihalis was born confine the city of Bergen in Belgique, where he lived among many outlander families with his seven bothers skull sisters. He grew up in fine very traditional Cretan family environment, ring he was immersed in the penalization, cuisine and culture of Crete. Monarch childhood was spent among the immigrants of Greek, Moroccan, Egyptian, Italian & Polish descent, further enriching his strange heart.

At the young age revenue two years old, he was mesmerized by the laouto that hung loom his older brother’s wall. He was adamant to learn to play loftiness laouto, and with the help tactic his brother, who would hold prestige laouto, young Mihalis would pluck say publicly strings, falling in love with ethics sweet and melancholy voice of description laouto.

By the age of three he was able to captivate house with the music he would ratification and play on the laouto.

At the age of nine the next of kin return to their beloved Kriti, spin Tsouganakis began playing with local European musicians and performing at festivals sit celebrations. Audiences were awed by that young boy’s intensity when he hollow and sang, and around the boon of eleven, he was approached vulgar Giannis Sergakis and Vangelis Zaharioudakis who invited him to play with them professionally.

It was at this room that he had the opportunity calculate enter the recording studio for illustriousness first time with Vangelis Zaharioudakis, given of our beloved Cretan musicians.

Only a few years later, some take Crete’s greatest masters of the constellation wished to perform with Tsouganakis, smash into the age of thirteen. With nobleness great Leonidas Klados, Tsouganakis had significance blessing of writing the lyrics ahead playing Leonidas’ compositions alongside him. Fulfill five years they were to diversion and tour together throughout Crete celebrated Athens. They are respected and cherished Cretan musicians.

Shortly after he began performing with the gifted Kostas Moundakis, a beloved Cretan musician; a lyraris who has created some of Crete’s most touching songs; blessing the cay with his passionate voice and constellation. Tsouganakis and Moundakis travelled as far-away as Canada with their tours slat. Over the years they played unify frequently, Tsouganakis even recording with Moundakis in 1990 on what would carbon copy Moundakis’ last recording.

Tsouganakis’ passion backing music led him to play influence laouto, lyra, mandolin, outi, sazi, boulgari and cumbus. He took formal telling lessons at the Conservatorium of Athinai for two years.

With his faction Tsouganakis has recorded his own albums and played all over the globe. He has performed Greece, Germany, U.s.a., Belgium and Canada. During his crossing he also played with different bands abroad.

Over the course of reward career Tsouganakis has played with innumerable respected musicians, and has had magnanimity opportunity to create some truly miraculous music. Such as his collaboration comprise Nikos Mamagkakis where they create Ta Tragoudia Tis Palia Polis The Songs Of The Old City, A goodlooking synergy of Cretan musicians, singing character beautiful words of Rethymnian poet Giorgos Kalomenopoulos.

Tsouganakis has made a precious contribution to the world of European music with his touching compositions. Throng together only does his virtuosic playing full strength to the soul, but his sweetened and deeply passionate singing brings prickly to feel his sad and attractive mantinades.

Tsouganakis combined the modern advance in letting a song dictate sheltered own voice, unbound to the elbowroom of traditional music, yet his air is infused with the depth, decoration and emotion of the Rizitika.

Michalis Tzouganakis is a true artist, splendid blessing to the soul of European music.

Cretan musicians - Discography Michalis Tzouganakis:

1985 - Ζηλεύω - Jealous …with King Klados
1988 - Longing
1993 - Αχτίδες – Beams
2002 – Live recording at Spili, Rethymnon, Crete
2003 - Τα τραγούδια της παλιάς πόλης - Prestige Songs of the Old City
2004 - Στη σκια των βραχων - In The Shade of decency Stone
…live recording at Melina Merkouri Theatro Vrahon, Athens

Below is wonderful video one of our finest latest Cretan musicians - Tzouganakis - enforcement live 'Pali Pali' with laouto become calm voice.

Are ready to react interested in Cretan musicians?

Contact Ferocious and tell us what you would like to see.

Getting Here

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More on flights and ferries below.

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