It's All Greek

An interesting disk showcasing a somewhat neglected figure, Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas. The Malmo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nikos Christodoulou play the Violin Concerto, Largo Sinfonico and Seven Greek Dances. The soloist in the concerto is Georgios Demertzis. Skalkottas developed atonality and a twelve tone method independant of Schoenberg, although he studied with him later. Both the violin concerto and Largo Sinfonico are written in twelve tone form but it is interesting that they sound in no way forbidding to modern ears. The Largo is in one long sweep and is perhaps his most impressive work. The concerto is heavily scored for orchestra with the soloist merging in and out of the sound worls rather than standing battling in contrast with it. Skalkottas was also interested in Greek folk music and it is this element that he uses in the seven dances. There's no hint of Zorba or bazoukis but it is more obviously tuneful than his own atonal works. Skalkottas died aged only 45 and of course lived through the turbulant mid century times, both of which contribute to his relative neglect. This disk is a fine starting point to delve into his music however.