Four Greek Songs

Abstract

Four Greek Songs makes abundant use of the qualities of Greek folk music. Rhythm is an intrinsic part of Greek music, beginning in antiquity and surviving in contemporary folk music. The rhythm is based on a quantitative relationship between long and short accentuation, depending on the text and resulting in many meter changes. The harmonic language of the songs is modal, also derived from folk music. The melodies are original, but retain the flavor of Greek folksongs.

The first song is ABA in form, in which the A section is in the aeolian mode and B resembles a Greek dance. The second song is a dance in mixolydian mode. The third song is controlled by the modes, primarily aeolian and mixolydian. The fourth song is a dance, where the rhythm again predominates.