Album Notes

\"Stamatis Spanoudakis is widely regarded as the most prolific Greek composer of his age. Versatile in his music for film, television, records and concerts, he uses a rich and original musical palette that conjures up different perceptions in the sphere of musical imagery. He explores both tragic and dramatic experiences with an eye and an ear for the musical representation of the perennial dilemmas and joys faced by mankind both in the past and present.

To date, Stamatis has written concert works for rock groups, string orchestra, soloists and chorus. Future plans include compositions for wind, brass, tympani and percussion, adding to his fulsome output.

Concerts, including those at the George Enescu Hall (Bucharest) and the Royal Albert Hall (London), have proven his international reputation and the forthcoming visit to China will set the seal on this remarkable artist’s achievement in bringing his unique brand of Greek music to the widest possible audience.

I have had the privilege of conducting some of Stamatis’ concerts and I am continually impressed by the way he considers his music as a living entity that is constantly evolving and developing and is never completely set in stone.\" By William Relton - Conductor.

Stamatis Spanoudakis says of the album:

\'This record contains musical works with a Greek Orthodox Religious feel.

Some, like “Here comes the bridegroom”, “Life in the grave”, “Oh my sweet Jesus” and “Christ has arisen”, are very old pieces composed by the masters of Byzantine music. Some, like “Kyrie eleison”, “To You my Lord”, “My soul blesses the Lord” and “The matins”, are composed by me. Others are improvisations on clarinet and violin or viola, based on themes which I wrote.

The reason I write “Religious” music is very simple. I am a Christian. My heart, “particularly during the days of Holy week”, is both sad and happy. Orthodox saints call this sentiment “harmolipi” (joyful sorrow).

I tried to put this sentiment into music\'.