Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post So here we are... SYNAYLIA me tragoudia tou Miki Theodwraki GIA TA PAIDIA TIS PALAISTINIS or if you prefer CONCERT with songs by Mikis Theodwrakis FOR THE CHILDREN IN PALAISTINE Firstly let me say a couple of things to explain how I ended up in Katrakeio... It was Eleni Kapsala's idea. I had decided that I was done with Dalaras for this summer... but I couldn't rest in peace after she told me about the concert and she insisted on going... But unfortunately she couldn't make it... Astron couldn't come, Apostolis the same, but I still wanted to go... even if I was all alone... Yet I was hesitating (for various reasons...) Anyway, I decided to go... and I took with me a friend (the soldier Geeske) and my mother (she didn't had tickets...but they were hoping we could get there. To be honest I was in serious doubt...but we set off...) We arrived at Katrakeio at 8 o'clock. An hour before the concert. And to my amazement we found tickets. Actually there were many... I was glad that we did find but also sorry and dissapointed because that meant that this concert was not noticed by many... even though it was for the Children in Palaistine and it was George Dalaras, Basis, Glykeria and Andreatos that would sing Theodwrakis songs... Indeed the publicity for this concert was very little and when we entered the theatre it was almost empty... Anyway, we moved and while we were trying to decide where to sit, I saw a girl waving towards me... Xmm... But I dind't recognised her...I thought she was signaling someone else, but there was no one else behind us and she was continuing so I wave back at her... After sitting I went to see her and ...to my surprise it was.... Vivi and George!!! I was SOOOO glad!!!! GREAT!!! So we ended up sitting together in the same row. And we were waiting for the concert to begin... And we waited and waited... Slowly the theatre was filling in... Anyway, it was half past nine when the people who were organising the concert started talking and talking. The embasador of Palaistine Abdala Abdala (I don't know if the spelling is right) was also there and they called him to make a small speach... Big mistake. No offence but a) I 've heard him talking twice (in the concert in the Syntagma and in my university) and he is a chatterbox... At some point the audiance was applauding to make him come down, but he thought we liked what he was saying and was going on... Eventually he came down and the concert started. 10 o'clock sharp. The band plays Dance of the kites (as George had predicted... BTW, I was checking him during all the concert and he was telling me the name of the song, as soon as the musicians were playing before the singers would start singing...Good work George! He only missed one song... sang by Glykeria.) Then Dalaras comes. He says three songs. Firstly, "Tis dikaiosynis Ilie noite". He stops and says a couple of things. Actually he said: "What a nice song and what a nice meaning it sends to the peiople of Palaistine. That we don't forget their country.* People ask me why one day I'm here for that reason, the following for another. Even the classmates of my daughter ask me. And I feel the need to say, to explain myself. Today we are here for a very specific cause. And I will use the expression I saw written in the drawings of a child**.It said that we go tonight to sing and listen to the songs of that man that when you hear them they make you want to do good actions... That man is Theodwrakis and we are here for this reason. To show that we sympathise along with the people of Palaistine. I read that 1/3 of the woonded people there are children with permanent handicapes... And that's why I 'm here tonight. And I want to thank all of you for being here as well. Efforts for similar concerts and movements were being made even before the war began but they didn't flourish.***Today Israel is standing with the back in the wall and has a lot to apologise for. And it will have to answer. And to use a saying the people use "There is no peace without justice". " *(the song says, "please don't forget my country") **(behind the theatre there was an exchibition of drawings made by children for the children in Palaistine) ***(I think one of the things he means is the concert for Palaistine that was schedule before Christmas but wasn't realised...) That's what he said. Not exactly as he said them, but to the best of my memory... He said more... but... I'm not a tape recorder... Now I'm asking for forgiveness, because there is a small problem. Most of the songs they said were known to me and most of them Dalaras has sang them... So it's a bit dificult for me to remember exactly which ones he said that day... Anyway, after the "greetings" he sang "Tis agapis aimata" And then he says: "We have a visitor so we will stop for a while" And Theodwrakis comes on stage. All musicians are on their feet. And Dalaras is really paying attention to every single word. So Theodwrakis says "I'm really sorry but I was in Megaro for a concert and the road from Megaro to Katrakeio as well as from Katrakeio to Megaro is long. I would like to thank all the singers and musicians and also all the mayors and the doctors without frontiers for this concert. It's time to show to Saron and to the Americans that we do not stay silent to injustice." Then he stepped down and went to sit near the embassador. It's interesting that from where he passed people were applauding him. Then Dalaras says "Tin porta anoigw to brady" and then a song I don't know... I only remember that in the refrain he was saying "kai tote kai tote kai tote" (and then and then and then) And then he steps down! Then Andreatos come along, then Basis and then Glykeria. Among the songs they said were, Vrexei sti ftwxogeitonia, Aprilis, Kaimos, Omorfi poli, Asteri mou feggari mou, Swpa opou na'nai tha xtypisoyn oi kampanes... Then Dalaras comes again on stage. But we all now it's the end... He sings Drapetswna, Edw to fws, Margarita Margarw, Steile ourane mou ena pouli. Then he invites Glykeria and they say a song (once again my weak memory....) and then they all come along and sing one song. And then, they are about to leave (we are ....) and Dalaras says "One more song for the road. It has a different meaning but you can alter it so that it suits our case." And they sing "Sto perigiali to kryfo..." And that's it... Well, my feelings were mixed... The concert barely lasted two hours. And if you take into consideration the fact that there were 4 singers and a great composer I firmly believe it was TOO SMALL!!!!!!! Also I was expecting more Dalaras... But they all said the same number of songs... (which is not bad at all, it's just that I wanted some more Dalaras...) And finaly I think he was not giving all he could... I mean that even though he had the chances to play with his voice a bit and give us one korwna or make the things only he can do with his voice, he was very restrained... He sang well, no doubt for that, but there was something missing... Anyway, I was glad because I saw him saying songs that I hadn't see him singing live in front of me... I loved "Tin porta anoigw to brady" and "kai tote kai tote kai tote" and of course the end was by far the best... All in all, it was a good concert but it could have been better... P.S. I beg Vivi and George to correct me if I said something wrong and to add the rest of the songs... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post Niki girl, when you do it, you really do it right. This is a great report. Thanks a lot. Micki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post Did you see? She thought she was "done with Dalaras for the summer" !!! And I thought every schoolkid in Greece would have learned "know yourself" in the original text Seriously, Niki, I'm sorry the concert was "not enough". I get the impression that it was organized in a hurry, at very short notice. Which would account (at least in part) for the shortness, and the "stick to the programme" feeling. It goes to show, btw, that good intentions, and a good cause, do not make good concerts (or other Art) - not necessarily. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post Have you got any comment about Dimitris Basis? Giorgos thinks so very highly of him, I wonder what impression he made on you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post Well, I don't like naming someone as someone else's succesor... for two reasons... a) I think it's unfair to the person who is being named as a succesor (it's like we don't appreciate his originality...) I realise it's an honour saying to someone that but... most of the times it's unfair to the person whom we believe one is succeding... Anyway, I like Basis voice much. I think of his as one of the very best new greek singers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 16, 2002 · Report post I asked because in my (very VERY limited) experience, anyone I see on the same stage as Dalaras tends to "disappear" - like the stars when the sun comes up... (The exception so far is Panos Katsimichas). So I wondered if Basis remained visible (to you). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post Niki, your description was such that I felt like being there . I understand u perfectly when u say that u wanted to listen to more of Dalaras singing, but I guess in such concerts there must be a balance (too bad for us though). However, I believe that George didn't sing all the songs that we would expect from him to sing, such as "Asteri mou feggari mou", "Omorfi poli", "Vrexei sti ftwxogeitonia" and "Kaimos". Although none of those was sung originaly by George, he is the only singer to whom I have connected them and I can't imagine anyone else singing them. But the most important thing is the one that u said : And finaly I think he was not giving all he could... I mean that even though he had the chances to play with his voice a bit and give us one korwna or make the things only he can do with his voice, he was very restrained... Now, that's very hard for me to imagine. It's not our fault, blame George if he made us expect from him to do miracles with his divine voice . And that must have been a great disappointment for you and for all those who understand music. I guess that is the only comforting thing I can find for not being there (although I 'd do anything to be at Katrakeio on Friday). Successor? Hmm, right again Niki, I used a wrong term. But u know what I meant by that : when Dalaras stops singing (eventually guys, that sad day will come), Mpasis is the person who -in my humble opinion of course- has the most possibilities to be the best ACTIVE -coz no matter what, NOBODY can EVER reach George- Greek singer. Plus, let us not forget that if I HAD to choose somebody to sing Dalaras' songs, that man would be Mpasis. I think that his voice is the most similar (can I use this term without misunderstandings? I am again talking if I NECESSARILY HAD TO choose an active Greek singer) to George's (and yet soooo far away from his). And don't forget that he is still so young and after -let's say- a decade, his voice will be much richer and better in any way. Anyway, yes Geske, having heard live Mpasis singing Akis Panou 's "Thelw na ta pw" (and u know how demanding the song is, imagine singing it live), I can guarantee you that not only doesn't he disappear next to Dalaras, he makes a great duo with him. The proof is "Sto perigiali to kryfo", the last song of the concert sung beautifully by the 4 of them: there is a moment -very short indeed, but able to justify my words- when only Dalaras and Mpasis sing together. What can I say...Poetry to my ears...I really hope that Apostolis can help in order to listen to the only song that I managed to record from the concert via radio. P.S. : So, he sang "Tin porta anoigw to vrady", Niki... You shouldn't have mentioned that part, it's one of my very favoutite songs. I listen to it all the time -George and the Ossipov State Orchestra, from the U.N. Refugee spot-, and although the quality is very very poor, I am in love with that song. M' aresei kiolas pou sou eipa na mou to fereis ap'eksw-apeksw! . Diladi an sou elega "pes ta mou ola xyma, no mercy", ti tha ekanes??? Great report again, Niki . Thx a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post Well, Giorgo, if they _want_ to misunderstand you, they will - but I get your meaning. Of course no one can ever hold a candle to Dalaras... we're not asking them to! Just so long as they are good, really good, good enough to sing with him, for starters. Thanks for the tip, anyway. I'm busy exploring. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post However, I believe that George didn't sing all the songs that we would expect from him to sing, such as "Asteri mou feggari mou", "Omorfi poli", "Vrexei sti ftwxogeitonia" and "Kaimos". Although none of those was sung originaly by George, he is the only singer to whom I have connected them and I can't imagine anyone else singing them. "Asteri mou feggari mou" (Melina Mercouri) "Omorfi poli" (Mikis Theodorakis) "Vrexei sti ftwxogeitonia" (Grigoris Bithikotsis) "Kaimos" (Grigoris Bithikotsis) These are the original recordings for those songs you like so much, Giorgo..., and which I like so much too... Personally, I appreciate to listen to my favorite songs by as many good singers as I can, and I sometimes happen to prefer an "non-Dalaras version". The song for which I have the greatest number of versions is Tsitsanis' "Ksimeronei kai vradiazei", but unfortunately, I don't have a version of it by Dalaras . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post Well Geske, if u need a hand in finding really nice songs by Mpasis, here's a list : - "Ein' o kaimos mou ena pouli" - "Mana, to manna tou ouranou" - "Nyxta magikia" - "Tis ksenitias" - "I agapi einai fwtia" - "Tin porta anoigw to vrady" Guess what : all of them are Theodwrakis'. Must download them. Trust me. Est-ce vrai, mon ami Francois qu' il y a des chansons que Georges a chante mais que tu preferes la version originale? Les seules que j' ai pu trouver c' est "Tis dikaiosynis ilie noite" et "Tis agapis aimata" (Bithikotsis (bien-sur - Theodwrakis : "Aksion esti"). Moi aussi j' aime beaucoup quand j' ecoute plusieures versions d' une chanson. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post Yes, for some of them, I prefer the original version, for example, "Glykoxarazoun ta vouna", sung by Stratos Pagioumtzis, or "Paraponiariko mou", sung by Apostolos Xatzixrhstos", and I think that for Dalaras, singing those wonderful songs was a sort of tribute not only to the rebetiko, but also to those wonderful composers and singers of the past... But you probably have read what I think of Dalaras singing rebetika tragoudia. The 4 Theodorakis songs you mentioned are chefs d'oeuvre, both by Dalaras and their original interpreters, of course, mais j'ai un faible pour la version d'Alexiou pour "Asteri mou fengari mou", meme si j'adore Mercouri et Dalaras! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post I just want to say that I have the album that Basis made with theodorakis " H agaph einai fwtia " which is great! I think that basis is the best new Greek singer And something that might sound strange: I think that he says "tin porta anoigw to vrady" better than Dalaras (please don't stone me!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 17, 2002 · Report post Niki, Your report was perfect!!! I didn't noticed that you were carrying a tape recorder that night No, I'm just kiding but it's amazing how you can remember all those things so accurately! What I'd like to add is the song that Dalaras sang with Glikeria "Ti thelis ap'ta niata mou" Telling the truth that was George amendmend not mine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post I think that basis is the best new Greek singerAnd something that might sound strange: I think that he says "tin porta anoigw to vrady" better than Dalaras (please don't stone me!) I have to listen to that new singer!!! Kaneis den tha se petrovolisei, Pavlo!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post Pavlo, I agree that Basis is the best new greek singer. However the companies have not given him very good songs yet. If they do, he will show how marvelous his voice is. I had the chance to admire him last year in Medousa with K.Makedonas. Excellent! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post if u need a hand in finding really nice songs by Mpasis, here's a list :- "Ein' o kaimos mou ena pouli" This song is one of my favorite ones by Bithikotsis... I reall long to hear it by Mpasis! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post I think that he says "tin porta anoigw to vrady" better than Dalaras (please don't stone me!) I won't stone you :cool: , but I will disagree ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post I agree that Basis is the best new greek singer. I have just downloaded a few of his songs... Great voice, great art of singing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post I am very glad that you liked so much Mpasis' voice. Along with Kostas Makedonas (great voice! he is the one that needs better songs more than Mpasis -Mpasis has already done 2 Theodwrakis CDs) and Giannis Kotsiras, they are la creme de la creme of the younger greek singing generation. But, if you want an even better version of "Tin porta anoigw to vrady", i 'll give u a hint : try Alkistis Prwtopsalti. What a voice...So strong and yet so smooth. Download the song and u 'll see. (try "Alkistis Protopsalti" or "Protopsalti", not "Prwtopsalti"). And, by the way, what the #### is going on with AUDIOGALAXY??? (lol, i saw in "preview post" that "h-e-l-l" went ####. Just to let u know that i didn't write the "f" word ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 18, 2002 · Report post But, if you want an even better version of "Tin porta anoigw to vrady", i 'll give u a hint : try Alkistis Prwtopsalti. What a voice...So strong and yet so smooth. Download the song and u 'll see. About this beautiful song: j'ai un faible pour la version de Theodorakis au Lycabette!!!! I'll listen to the other versions of course, as a Greek song vit par ses nombreuses interpretations... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
