CYPRUS FOLK MUSIC

Throughout its long and turbulent history, Cyprus suffered many adversities and was dominated by numerous conquerors. These circumstances did not permit the development of an advanced musical culture. The greek elements were however preserved and Cypriot music is directly linked to the musical evolution of the greek mainland. Due to the geographical distance which separates Cyprus from metropolitan Greece and the Island's proximity to the Middle East, the historic course of Cypriot music is somewhat different. Cyprus has managed to preserve however the basic elements of the style of ancient greek music in the same way it has maintained many elements of ancient Greek language.

It can be safely argued therefore that Cypriot folk music is a branch of byzantine music and Greek folk music. The only distinction of Cypriot folk songs from Greek folk music is the predominance of the erotic over the heroic element. As so gracefully put by the prominent Cypriot composer Solon Michaelides, "Aphrodite’s winged son has found in Cyprus his natural surroundings".
 
 
A. Traditional Cypriot songs interpreted by the church cantor Theodoulos Kallinicos

1. Tillirkótissa
2. To yiasemí
3. Agapó tin tzi’ agapá me
4. I vrísi ton Peyiótisson
5. Pou pais éya kótsini
6. Agápisa tin pou karkiás
7. Loúlla mou Maroúlla mou

To listen to the songs as Real Audio Stream please click here.
 

B. Cypriot folks songs interpreted by the baritone Pieris Zarmas

1. Psintrí vasilidgiá mou
2. O kafkás
3. To áspro triantáfyllo
4. I foní tis Páfou

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C. Popular Cypriot songs composed by Achilleas Lymbourides

1. Ta mávra máthkia
2. I Drosoúla
3. To aeroúdin
4. To matsikóridon
5. I vrísi
6. San gyr’ i méra tze se do
7. I koufí tis eliás
8. I miliá

To listen to the songs as Real Audio Stream please click here.