Variations on ‘Thalassaki’, for two guitars (Op. 8, 1998) (Duration apr. 9′)

These variations are based on the above well- known hellenic island folk song, which is heard at the beginning of the piece.

The 1st variation is in essence an anti-variation, since the song itself is the one element that is retrospectively being heard as a variant, after being subjected to a kind of schenkerian reduction in a pandiatonic background. The 2nd one forms a polyphonic episode and stretto. The 3rd variation is a ‘lament’ in a rather free form, with musical connotations of the water- element, given the fact that, the lyrics of the song refer to a tragical incident of drowning. In accordance to the common character of the song on which it is based, the 4th variation is likewise, dance-like, ending with a fughetta, which forms the climax of the work. Guitars make a good use of their timbal capabilities.

In 2002 the piece was published by the editions Panas Music (EPN 946) and it is included in the cd «Greek Impressions» (Subways, 2005), in which the composer with Yorgos Foudoulis play original hellenic music for two guitars. The work’ s premiere was given by V. Tigiridis and Κ. Mitrokotsas on July 4th, 2000, at the Athena Music Stage.

Thalassaki