Dance of the Waves, new CD with Skalkottas’ compositions
It is with particular joy and pride that we announce the release of our second CD with recordings of works by the outstanding composer, and once prominent member of our Orchestra, Nikos Skalkottas, by Naxos, the distinguished international record label.
Following the release of “The Neoclassical Skalkottas” (cat. no. 8574154) in February 2020, we immerse ourselves in the composer’s sonic universe once again in performances of three outstanding works. The CD begins with Series One of his popular 36 Greek Dances. A ground-breaking composition for its time, the Dances contains the quintessence of Greek music—its rhythm, style and vitality—condensed into symphonic poems. Next up are excerpts from his great popular ballet The Sea, for which Skalkottas collaborated with the enlightened choreographer and music educator Polyxeni Matey. He completed the work shortly before his untimely death in 1949. The CD ends with the composer’s legendary Suite no. 1 (Dance of the waves) for large orchestra. A texturally complex composition, it dates from the period of Skalkottas’ studies under Arnold Schoenberg. Six years later, he managed to rework it in its entirety from memory, since all his manuscripts had been left behind in Berlin. The performances are conducted by the Orchestra’s former Artistic Director, the internationally celebrated maestro Stefanos Tsialis.
To CD is imported exclusively and sold by Opera Compact Disc (Akadimias 57, Athens), which is giving music fans a 20% discount on this CD, too, even though it is a new release.
It is also available from record shops around Greece.
