mavrothis - 2-14-2009 at 06:15 PM
Hi guys,
Here are some video clips from a concert we had at Yale recently:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4phuXvyBqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RDh9lHiPek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXBdihvseek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGqYOHIt_cI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdcaGO4kVMI
The video and sound aren't professional quality, but you get an idea of how the show was. It was a nice night.
Take care,
mavrothis
MatthewW - 2-15-2009 at 03:07 AM
hi mavrothis- very good playing by the ensemble, 100% professional. I can't quite make out what the instrument on the far left is, is it a period
Greek instrument of some sort like a buzouki? cheers, MW
mavrothis - 2-15-2009 at 07:38 AM
Hi Matthew,
Thanks very much my friend. The instrument on the far left is a laouto (except when he plays the santouri - a hammer dulcimer).
It has 4 double courses (metal), and is tuned in fifths, like a mandocello. Typically it is used as a rhythm instrument, but many players shred it up
on the laouto. Depends on the repertoire. There are different versions/tunings depending on the region of Greece.
This instrument has been present in Greek folk music probably just a little over 100 years, with varying styles from region to region.
Take care, and thanks again.
m
maran - 2-16-2009 at 11:32 AM
really nice stuff mav well done. the ensemble sounds great. i've noticed the santur is fairly common in greek music which i always thought was
interesting since i usually think of it as a persian instrument, plus the fact that you usually don't see it in turkish music. btw what
happened to your kanun player, she was really good.
Ararat66 - 2-16-2009 at 03:42 PM
You play great as an ensemble - it is obvious that many hours have gone into creating your wonderful group.
Best wishes
Leon
mavrothis - 2-16-2009 at 06:50 PM
Thank you guys, much appreciated!
Maran, yes, santouri was pretty common in Greek folk music - I forget exactly when it was introduced, but probably not before the 18th century. It is
now making a comeback, and at least one young santouri maker in Athens is using new materials in some of his instruments' construction: http://www.santouri.gr/Home_EN.html The first ones were just like the Persian ones still used in Iranian music, but later developed fixed bridges
which vary from model to model, but can be recognized as Greek santouria vs. other Balkan dulcimers.
Our kanun player unfortunately had made up her mind to move back to Greece just after our albums were released, so we don't have a kanun player
regularly in our group.
Leon, thanks for the compliment, we always need more work to cement the pieces, but it's nice to hear that we sound good together. We definitely
enjoy each other's company and playing. 
Thanks again guys!
m