Cretan music, which the ancient god Apollo used to play on his lyre in the mountains, the forests, the villages and the cities, expresses the rich emotions and pride of the Cretan people. However, the traditional songs and dances, along with the emotions and the language itself, are at risk of disappearing. We would expect the authorities to react and guard our tradition, as the mythological Talos did, but so far they have done nothing at all. So, the union of Traditional Cretan Music Artists have decided to take action against the increasing alienation.

                  Dances:

Pendozalis

It was named after its five steps and is part of the Cretan gallantry and virtue. The firm, decisive steps are followed by aggressive, fast ones. A traditional war dance representing revolution, heroism and hope. The black handkerchief on the dancers head witnesses the sacrifices of our folk.

Kastrinos

Kastrinos is the most masculine, the fastest and the most impressive dance of Crete. It was named after the Great Castle (Kastro), today's Iraclio. Its brisk rhythm and liveliness give the opportunity to the dancer to show off his agility, stamina and his ability to improvise and impress with his figures. It is the most difficult, but also the most popular Cretan dance.

Sirtos

Sirtos is also called Chaniotis - after the western prefecture of Chania. It is the expression of a secret decision for life and death, love and secret wishes, as the dancers express their sad or happy story through simple, creeping steps.

Sousta

It is the lovers dance. It expresses the rich emotions of the Cretan people - lifes eternal song. In ancient years it was a war dance. In times of peace it became the dance of love. It is named after its small, noiseless and playful steps. It is one of the most beautiful love dances of our country.

Siganos

They used to dance Siganos holding each others hand. During the era of Turkish occupation it became a team dance, the dance of friendship, the chain of unity and freedom and thus, the spiritual expression of the Cretan people.

  Instruments:

  Lyra

There are three types: Small lyra or "lyraki", the common lyra and "vrontolyra". These have three metallic chords. OThe previous years, the chords were made from bowels. The difference is in the size and the sound. Viololyra is an other type of lyra, has been made since 1925. All of them are played with an arc. In the past the arc had some bells, the "gerakokoudouna" which when the arc was moving, they produce a kind of companionate sound for lyra.Although lyra is known in the Hellenic place since 9th century, it is unknown when it was starting it's use in Crete.

  Lute

 

  It's about the known music instrument, little bigger, with four pairs of chords, older boweled, today metallic. Lute accompanies measuredly and harmonically the lyra or the violin. Many times Lute is used as a soloistic instrument.

  Mantolin  

  The Mantolin is used in Center and East Crete rarely as an instrument of melody and accompanies lyra and violin.

Bulgari

 

This belongs to the family of "tampouradon". It's use is limited in Crete. At the older times it was a common melody instrument.Also, it accompanies lyra.

  Mantoura

 

This is a kind of klarinet with simple strikered ligulate on the top of cane which is closed from the knot of cane. It has 4 - 6 holes and it is made in different sizes. A variant of "mantoura" is "diplomantoura" or "tzompragia mantoura".

  Ntaoulaki

It's about a little tabor which is played with two sticks, the "ntaouloksila". Ntaoulaki accompanies lyra or violin. In the old times it was well known at east Crete. Today it has been dissapeared.

  Names:          Thanasis Kapelonis

Manolis Kournianos