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Modern Greek Heroic Oral Poetry

Various Artists
Modern Greek Heroic Oral Poetry The tradition of heroic oral poetry begun by Homer (9th or 8th century BC?) continued into the 20th century in parts of Greece and Cyprus. The classic tales of battles and tragedies passed down from father to son since antiquity were recorded in the 1950s in a series of field recordings by James Notopoulos. The singers of these songs are mostly illiterate shepherds or farmers who learned the art of singing heroic tales from their fathers. The liner notes discuss the important role that oral tradition plays in village life and includes lyrics in Greek and English and summaries of each poem.

Track Listing

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101
The Abduction of Digenes' Bride Male Greek singer, violinist 05:14
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102
The Death of Digenes Male Greek singer 15:02
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201
Lene Botzaris Male Greek singer, lute player 06:32
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202
The Crow and the Battle of Valtetzi Male Greek singer, flute player, lute player 04:46
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203
The Song of Daskaloyiannes Male Greek singer 03:27
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204
Erotokritos Male Greek singer 02:38
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205
What Ails the Mountains of Crete Group of Greek male singers 07:39