Homage to Macedonia: for bouzouki trichordo, santouri, and string orchestra

Abstract

The opening section begins slowly as it musically narrates the legend of the wonderful land of Macedonia, home to Alexander the Great, the philosopher Aristotle and all the Hellenes who lived there throughout the pages of history. A famous Macedonian folk tune pervades the next part of the composition followed by a frenzied Greek dance performed by two important folk instruments of our country, bouzouki and santouri. They are joined by the entire string orchestra in a big climax. The following section is a duet between the two soloists in the form of a cadenza. They are eventually accompanied by the strings, leading to the final part, which is a return to the opening legend theme; the music traveling gently back once again to the glorious days of Macedonia. “Homage to Macedonia” is dedicated to the University of Macedonia and to its faculty, Athanasios Zervas and the other professors, who have supported my music over the years. D.C.