The convivial meetings perfectly encapsulate the social dimension of the Cretan traditional music. Within these gatherings, the sound heritage of the Greek island is nurtured and passed on, as explored with Ioannis Papadatos in the previous episode “The social role of parea in the musical tradition of Crete”.
As a natural continuation, this episode presents the testimonies of four distinguished Cretan musicians, corroborating the fundamental role of that sense of unity and belonging where different musical forms flow in harmony with the rhythms of traditional dances such as syrtos, pentozali, sousta, kastrinós. 
In these convivial spaces, aspiring musicians refine their techniques and stylistic approaches across different repertoires, guided by the wisdom of seasoned mentors. This exchange allows them to develop and perfect their expressive and musical abilities. 
The enthusiasm of the meraklides, devoted connoisseurs who delight in life’s pleasures, from music to gastronomy, blends seamlessly into the convivial spirit of the parees. Within this vibrant setting, you can hear musicians playing verses from the early 17th century chivalric poem Erōtókritos or improvising mantinades. 
In this episode, the four musicians, Zacharias Spyridakis, Dimitris Sideris, Georgios Zacharioudakis and Yannis Papatzanis, paint a vivid portrait of the diversity of their learning and experiences of the Cretan musical heritage, and unanimously acknowledging its fundamental values. 

About the musicians
Zacharias Spyridakis, Dimitris Sideris, Georgios Zacharioudakis and Yannis Papatzanis compose the Cretan Music Ensemble. More information is available here   

Episode's musical sources list

“Erotokritos Eastern Crete melody” (in the way of “kontilies”)
sang by Dimitris Sideris

“Chalepianos manes” “skopos” (table melody)
sang by Zacharias Spyridakis

“Erotokritos Eastern Crete melody” (in the way of “kontilies”)
sang by Dimitris Sideris

Learning my rst “sirtos” named “Ti mana mou tin agapo 

“Erotokritos Main melody”
sang by Dimitris Sideris

“Erotokritos Main melody”
sang by Dimitris Sideris

“Erotokritos Eastern Crete melody” (short)

“Protos sirtos” 
example melody to explain the technical way to perform Lute

Sound example of “Madoura instrument”

“Pidichtos dance”
explaing the way performing “Madoura” with ornaments

“Kathe chimona ta poulia” “sirtos”
sang by Yannis Papatzanis, Double “Madoura” or “Askomadoura” (Cretan backpipe)

“sirtos melody”
“Thiampoli insrument” (Cretan flute)

“Egiran ta klonaria mou”
“skopos” (table melody) sang by Yannis Papatzanis

“Ethianos Pidichtos”
dance with “Toubaki instrument”

“Sousta dance”
sang by Yannis Papatzanis

“Rizitiko” “Kori ke nios”
(table or walking melody)

“Protos sirtos”


Disclaimer
Mediterranean Intangible Heritage Soundscape is a podcast by Paolo Scarnecchia, produced by UNIMED, Mediterranean Universities Union. Musical works included in the Podcast are used for purpose of illustration for teaching, and not for commercial purposes.