Elements of Greek Identity in the Eight Dances from the Greek Islands by Yiannis Constantinidis

Authors

Afroditi Mitsopoulou, James Madison UniversityFollow

Preferred Name

Afroditi Mitsopoulou

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Date of Graduation

5-15-2025

Semester of Graduation

Spring

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

School of Music

First Advisor

Gabriel Dobner

Second Advisor

Katherine Axtell

Third Advisor

Andrew Connell

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to present elements of Greek style and identity in the composition for solo piano, Eight Dances from the Greek Islands (Οκτώ Νησιώτικοι Ελληνικοί Χοροί, για πιάνο) (1954) by Yiannis Constantinidis. What is regarded as Greek national identity? How was it formed and developed throughout the centuries, and what compositional techniques did Greek composers before Constantinidis use in their works to define Greek identity? A topic examined in this document was the construction and deconstruction of Greek identity, and the question addressed was whether Greek identity can ultimately be defined. Constantinidis (1903-1984) was one of the most significant representatives of the Greek National School, and this document sheds light on his perception of national identity, the stylistic choices, and compositional characteristics found in the Eight Dances from the Greek Islands. The harmonic language, rhythm, ancient Greek metric relationships, articulation, dynamics, and choreography of motions are explored and analyzed in this document. For a more thorough understanding of his oeuvre, Constantinidis’s biographical sketch with direct reference to biographical material by Giorgos Sakallieros in my translation is also included in this document, along with a chronological table of Constantinidis’s classical and popular compositions. Part of the research also explores how the Eight Dances from the Greek Islands could become a valuable tool for educators and performers, not only as an excellent introduction to the melodies, rhythms, harmonies, expressive elements, and stylistic traits of Greek piano music, but also, as a worthy and valuable piece of art, irrespective of its place of origin.