Listening to the Cretan Music (VIDEO)

From the antiquity until today music is a huge part of the Cretans’ life. Τhe creation of “mandinades” (lyrics which are sung accompanied with the cretan lyre) is the most characteristic form of the local songs. Mandinades usually describe scenes of the daily life or express emotions, such as love, joy, admiration, hope etc.

Among the most common form of the Cretan songs are the so-called “Rizitica”, (from the root) which have been named after the roots of the mountains.

The tradition of the “Rizitica” songs is long and covers many areas of Cretan expression, such as songs of the “tavla” (table) which are sung during rhe meal, of the “strata” (walking), which are sung during a stroll, while there are others also sung in weddings, festivals and christenings, or celebrations.

Their themes are heroic situations, revolutions against the conquerors of the island, foreign lands, love, etc., while many times they are allegorical. Their music is slow and serious, containing a strong mental pain. These are not dancing songs, while they are usually sung by a chorus.

There are many kinds of local dance rhythms such as  “Sousta”,which is an erotic dance, “Pendozalis”, a warrior’s dance, “Haniotis”, “Maleviziotis”, etc.

So, we could say, that music and dance, is the way by which the locals chose to express themselves, literally!