Rural Folk Anthology

This project brings together rural folk music from many corners of Greece and the near surrounding areas of the Mediterranean Basin. Musical themes that we call ‘paradosiakiá’ – traditional Greek folk music. We also bring in some urban folk sounds, what is known as ‘Rebétiko’ music, which are often born out of rural folk tunes. Though ‘Rebétiko’ is often considered a unique genre on its own, it shares similar expressive elements with ‘paradosiakiá.’ They utilise related musical scales, modality, and even the same lyrics or musical themes in many cases. Macroscopically, the main difference is that ‘Rebétiko’ developed in urban centres, whereas ‘paradosiaká’ developed in rural areas. One could describe them as two sides of the same coin.

Culturally, urban folk music was often prohibited and refers to lawless aspects of urban life. It was mainly performed in ‘tekédes’, alcohol and shisha shops, where outcasts would attend. Rural folk music on the other hand focuses on describing natural elements, life, death, and love. It’s authorless and enjoyed either in solitude or in intimate and grand festivities. Let the music take you on a journey from the mountains of the Balkan north to mainland Greece, through the islands of the Aegean and across to Asia Minor!