Xydakis interprets Sophocles
Ahead of Friday’s premiere, the
composer discusses the fusing of theater and music in his
latest work
Cast
members with composer Nikos Xydakis (third from left).
‘Laments of Women: Sophocles’ Heroines,’ based on the ancient
dramatist’s tragic women, premieres Friday at the Little
Theater of Epidaurus.
By Vassilis Angelikopoulos - Kathimerini
Composer Nikos Xydakis’s latest work is called “Laments of
Women: Sophocles’ Heroines,” and features three esteemed stage
actresses: Lydia Fotopoulou, Olia Lazaridou and Aneza
Papadopoulou.
Though the actresses imbue the work with a strong sense of
the theatrical, Xydakis told Kathimerini that his latest work,
which will premiere at the Little Theater of Epidaurus this
Friday, with a second performance lined up for the following
night, is still “clearly a musical project.”
Besides the aforementioned acting trio, the work also
features Xydakis and the popular vocalist Eleftheria
Arvanitaki in singing roles, with musical backing provided by
the Camerata - Orchestra of the Friends of Music, conducted by
Nikos Platyrachos, as well as several of Xydakis’s regular
musicians.
Xydakis based the music on the writing of poet Dionysis
Kapsalis, which combines original material, his translations
of Sophocles, as well as excerpts of text by the ancient Greek
dramatist. Everything is based on five of Sophocles’ heroines,
and their laments for loved ones.
“Apart from Eleftheria [Arvanitaki], we selected actresses
for the work’s interpretation, because they have a closer
relationship with theatrical text,” Xydakis explained. “Here,
though, they are presented as vocalists, even though there are
some small prose parts among the five monodies that make up
the project. Apart from that, there’s nothing more theatrical
about this. And there’s no dance either. However, before the
work begins, a dancer, Marianna Kavalieratou, makes a brief
appearance to provide tone and initial direction. Nothing
else. It’s clearly a musical project,” he added.
Xydakis noted that the project’s five monodies, performed
as laments, were not all dirges. “These are not just dirges.
These women possess an inner strength and portray life in
general,” he said.
A project of musical nature, “Laments of Women: Sophocles’
Heroines” may not boast action or development in its plot.
Xydakis, however, contended that the project possesses a
“musical plot.”
“There is development through musical means, until it gets
to Antigone,” said Xydakis. “This [musical development] is
helped greatly by the interludes, the orchestral parts between
monodies, which are in adagio mood and more serene following
the laments... It’s like this music is traveling both in time
and places. There is also a sense of loss here.”
When asked whether he believed it was necessary to use a
symphony orchestra for this project, Xydakis said he felt the
need for a “built-up sound,” as well as a “nostalgic
feel.”
“I can say that I have also worked this music from a
directorial perspective, and, for this, felt the need for a
musical ensemble that could respond to various things,” he
said.
Besides the Camerata, the project’s musical lineup includes
four soloists, who each precede the work’s monodies. Costas
Tsioulakis, on piano, leads the way for Tecmessa, Panos
Dimitrakopoulos, on kanonaki, precedes the monody for Electra,
Vassilis Ketentzoglou, on guitar, opens for Jocasta, and
Dimitris Hountis, on saxophone, precedes
Antigone. |