Unit:
Speciality Performance of Traditional MusicLibrary of the School of Philosophy
Author:
Stappa Antigoni-Maria
Supervisors info:
Λάμπρος Λιάβας, καθηγητής, Τμήμα Μουσικών Σπουδών, ΕΚΠΑ
Χάρης Σαρρής, διδάκτωρ, Τμήμα Μουσικών Σπουδών, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Η μουσική της Σίφνου μέσα από τις διαθέσιμες ηχογραφήσεις: Μια αποτίμηση
Translated title:
Sifnos music tradition through the surviving recordings: An evaluation
Summary:
This research attempts an examination of the music tradition of the island of Sifnos through the analysis of songs and melodies as found on the archive of local musicians, also considering the island’s historical and sociocultural course as well as the music networks that impacted it. The available music content was classified and examined by means of highlighting the rich music culture, the characteristic quality of Sifnos music as well as presenting the musical world of the island’s community always led by the point of view of the local music players themselves. During the course of the study, arising questions would fuel the context of next steps. In the body of the paper, first comes the analysis of the research methodology selected for the needs of the study, followed by the theoretical part. Then follows the analysis of the historical and cultural background together with the island’s rituals and customs which create the framework within which the music we examine unfolds. In the following chapters, the music of the island is analyzed from a technical point of view and also in terms of the repertoire, the melodies and the structure of the songs. Notable musicians of previous generations and their activity are mentioned. In the 4th chapter, the classification of the available recordings is analyzed in an excel worksheet and individual conclusions are presented. Finally, additional particular points arising from the previous classification are analyzed separately. A general assessment is made and qualitative conclusions are formulated regarding the aesthetics of playing and singing as well as the origin of the repertoire. We come to realize the remarkable relevance with the musical culture of Istanbul and Asia Minor as well as the Athenian urban culture. Furthermore, the crucial role of the appearance of discography in the course of sifnian songs overtime is analyzed. Hypotheses are formulated in relation to the use of the instruments in the past. The special style and timbre of Sifnian music is demonstrated through particularities and elements such as the tuning of the instruments and the use of tonal bases in songs. It is also evident that Sifnos has a living tradition that is not based on recorded performances but on experiential learning of the players. Lastly the music playing seems to remain the same as that of the '60s-'70s in terms of repertoire, tuning and style.
Main subject category:
Fine arts - Entertainment
Keywords:
sifnian singing, island music tradition, Sifnos, music of Sifnos, greek lute, violin, music networks
