Skalkottas: 36 Greek Dances (1990 and 2021 Recordings)

Featuring

Byron Fidetzis
Ural Philharmonic Orchestra
Athens Philharmonia Orchestra
Nikos Skalkottas

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Performer Biography

Byron Fidetzis, the conductor, received three of Skalkottas's Dances from his father, Athanassios Fidetzis, a flautist and friend of the composer.

Composer Biography

Arnold Schoenberg, a renowned composer and teacher, listed Nikos Skalkottas as one of his ten most promising students, placing him seventh after figures like Webern and Berg.

Recording & Production

This album presents two complete recordings of Nikos Skalkottas's 36 Greek Dances: the historic 1990 world premiere recording by The Ural State Philharmonic Orchestra and a 2021 live performance by the Athens Philharmonia Orchestra.

Composition History

Skalkottas resumed his exploration of Greek dances and melodies at the request of Melpo Merlier, a musicologist and anthropologist working for the Musical Folklore Archives.

Composer Biography

Nikos Skalkottas, the composer, received his first music lessons from his uncle and earned a violin diploma with First Prize and a Gold Medal from the Athens Conservatory in 1920.

Composition History

Nikos Skalkottas began composing dances before leaving for Berlin in 1921, though these early works are now lost.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Byron Fidetzis, the conductor on this album, believes that Skalkottas's 36 Greek Dances are a unique artistic accomplishment due to their unusual structure, subjective harmony, and ingenious orchestration.