Da Dum

Two notes, da dum, and everyone knows what it is. What is it ? The theme from Zorba The Greek. This is a disk of music from Mikis Theodorakis conducted by Charles Dutoit with the Montreal Symphony on the Zorba suite and the Philharmonia orchestra on the other two pieces, Adagio for Solo Flute, Orchestra and Percussion and Pieces From Carnaval. Theodorakis is one of the most famous Greeks of the 20th century, for both his songs and his politics. He did compose a lot of symphonic music too though. The Suite from his music for the Zorba film is the main thing here. Yes, it does include the famous dance but orchestrated in a more interesting way and undeniably thrilling as it works up to a climax. There are also songs sung by soprano Ioanna Forti in a slightly folky style. Listening again, I'm not convinced of the greatness of the music, except in the way that it has become synonymous with an entire nation. It is interesting for an occasional listen and the two minor pieces also included retain what we have now come to think of as a Greek feel but which may just simply be a Theodorakis feel.