Abstracts of issue 5-6 (1987)

Oly Psychopedis-Frangou

A Sketch on the Cultural Relation between France and Greece in the Contemporary History of Greek Music

Cultural relations between France and Greece have always been very tight. Numerous Greek composers lived and studied in France, establishing links with persons and institutions influential to musical life in France as well as with the general spirit of French music. Many Greek compositions have repeatedly been performed in France.
In the 1920s French critics discovered Greek art music, impressed by its original qualities, and French editors published the work of Greek composers. Besides, quite a number of Greeks have been members of French academic institutions. The two cultures spiritual relationship is demonstrated in several stylistic and technical similarities, going far beyond casual or decorative imitations. A fruitful interchange of musical praxis and thought exists up to the most recent generation of composers.

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