Musicon / Theodorakis / Theodorakis, Zorbas Ballet – Montreal Ph.O, I. Forti, Ch. Dutoit
-Theodorakis, Zorbas Ballet – Montreal Ph.O, I. Forti, Ch. Dutoit
Mikis Theodorakis’ soundtrack for the film Zorba the Greek is famous and, beyond this, it has given an impression to many people that this music expresses Greece more than any other. It was a pleasant surprise for me to listen to a new version (if it can be called a “version” and not a new work), arranged for symphony orchestra, soloist and chorus. “Zorbas Ballet” is a work that stands at the same level with ballets by Stravinsky, Prokoviev and other composers known as “classical”.
The performance (Dutoit with the Montreal Philharmonia and Ioanna Forti as soprano soloist) and recording (by Decca) are excellent. The only problem is with the chorus, singing in Greek with an accent carefully worked to be natural, yet not managing to become completely natural. But this is a problem only Greek speaking people will notice. If you like Theodorakis or ballet music or just Zorbas, this is a record you should try. The disk contains also (in a position that functions as a prelude) an Adagio by Theodorakis for flute, strings and percussion.
The Contents:
01 – Adagio For Solo Flute String Orchestra & Percussion / 02 – Le Retour De Zorbas / 03 – Petite Etoile / 04 – Marina / 05 – La Meurtre De La Veuve / 06 – La Danse De Hassapiko / 07 – La Mort De Hortense / 08 – Scene 21&22 / 09 – Scene 23 / 10 – Danse Des Hommes / 11 – Danse De La Jeune Fille / 12 – Danse D’ Amour