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Sacred Harmony The power of the ancient Greek Lyre A special recording project from Seikilo Ancient World Music from master lyre musician, Theodore Koumartzis, upright electric bassist, Jordan Koumartzis & lyre musician vocalist, Thanasis Kleopas The ancient Greeks knew the worlds of music and healing were intrinsically linked. Believing that music had the power to heal, philosophers of ancient Greece used the lyre, along with flutes and zithers, to calm and heal their patients through music. Of all the ancient Greek instruments, it was the ancient harp or lyre that has been consistently and most intimately associated with healing, poetry, music and dance. ‘Sacred Harmony’ aims to carry the healing traditions of the lyre forward in time with a creative affiliation of lyre pioneers and musicians from the Seikilo Ancient World Museum. This cultural institution, in the city of Thessaloniki, is dedicated to ancient Greek musical instruments and the culture of Greek civilization. It was founded in 2016 by members of the Koumartzis family. Featuring lyre virtuoso and vocalist, Thanasis Kleopas, this new project ‘Sacred Harmony’ was composed and produced by two Koumartzis brothers, lyre pioneer Theodore Koumartzis and composer, luthier and bassist, Jordan Koumartzis. Jordan works and shares his skills and love of the lyre with institutions around the world from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to the Museum of Music Instruments in Phoenix and the Archaeological Museum of Cyprus. ‘Sacred Harmony’ takes the Greek lyre on a journey back to its roots as an ancient musical instrument used for its healing power to soothe a troubled mind and world. It is a collection of mostly original compositions recorded over the course of two weeks in the Greek Island of Aegina. The album starts with a ritual song or summons to the Greek god of spring breezes, Zephyrus. In Greek mythology, there were many wind gods, collectively called the Anemoi, with the main being Boreas (North), Zephyrus (West), Notos (South), and Eurus (East). ‘Zephyrus’ is also dedicated to the album’s engineer, Evagoras Bekiaris, who crafted so much of its soundscapes. ‘Sacred Harmony’ honours the use of music to enhance mental health as it so naturally intertwined in ancient Greece in the healing temples of the Asclepieia – named after the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. These temples were dedicated to the restoration of emotional, physical and mental health. ‘Colibri Dorado’ - ‘Golden Hummingbird’ is a perfect choice as a song of medicine on the album. Arranged by Jordan Koumartzis and performed on the ancient lyre by his brother, Theodore Koumartzis with vocals in Spanish by Thanasis Kleopas. ‘Colibri Dorado’ was written by Mexican composer, songwriter Arnaldo Herrera and popularised by Puentes. ‘Colibri Dorado’ reflects on the healing influence of the golden hummingbird to bring a new dawn to the day and ties in perfectly with the soothing and gentle tones of the lyre. In Greek mythology, the story of the young princess, Psychē is a metaphor about redeeming the soul. In times gone by, psychē also meant ‘butterfly, ’ a concept that suggests how the ancients imagined their soul and one which is explored on the invented word and track title, ‘Vakania’. ‘Sacred Harmony’ journeys to “The Foreign Lands of Love”, a well-known song in Greece and Cyprus, performed here by two ancient lyres and an electric upright bass. Its lyrics talk of the pain of living away from home and how the distance can become an unbearable weight for two separated lovers. Continuing on the path that music soothes the soul and heals the mind, is ‘Sufi’s Dream’, dedicated to the teachings of the Sufism tradition. It is said that on their path to spiritual enlightenment, Sufis often rely on dreams to cast light on their minds' shadows. ‘Sacred Harmony’ is the new music project from the Seikilo Ancient World Music record label and publisher, whose last project called PAUSIS was a Songlines Top Of The World album and is being released through Seikilo Ancient World Museum. Operating both on and offline, the museum’s work includes musical instrument and ancient civilisation workshops and lectures in notable cultural institutions across Europe and around the world. As lyre musician, Theodore Koumartzis says, "The ancient lyre, the symbol of the most creative and revolutionary period of antiquity, has already made her come back. This album is dedicated to the role of music that was forgotten yet is needed more than anything during the difficult times we have been through this last decade. That is to heal and remind us how we can live and respect each other under any circumstances." Sacred Harmony’ is steeped in music from two ancient Greek lyres, upright electric bass and has vocal improvisations with ethnic tones throughout. Tender yet compelling vocals from Thanasis Kleopas help to provide texture and additional movement to the lyre soundscape. The lyre has always held a special place in Greek music. In ancient Greece, the lyre was regarded as the link between the world of the gods and the life of mortals. Its distinct sound continues to inspire musicians today. ‘Sacred Harmony’ released through the record label and publisher, Seikilo Ancient World Music Museum on Friday September 27th, 2024 with ongoing promotions. Album Information Album: Sacred Harmony Musicians: Thanasis Kleopas - ancient lyre & vocals Theodoros Koumartzis - ancient lyre Jordan Koumartzis - upright electric bass Record Label + Publisher: Seikilo Ancient World Music | Greece Genres: Ancient Greek Music Languages: Greek + Spanish Release Date: September 27, 2024 with ongoing promotions. Track Listing All music and lyrics composed by Thanasis Kleopas, Theodoros Koumartzis and Jordan Koumartzis except track #5 track #4 composed by Giorgos Kalogirou and track #5 music and lyrics by Arnaldo Herrera. All music arranged by Jordan Koumartzis. Evagoras Dayiaho Vacania The Foreign Lands of Love Colibri Dorado The Wolf A Sufi’s Dream Production Team Recorded on the Greek Island of Aegina. Art Direction Nikolaos Koumartzis Production, Mixing, Mastering Evagoras Bekiari in Audiomedia Studios on Nicosia, Cyprus. Supported by LUTHIEROS Musical Instruments Special thanks to SEIKILO Ancient World Music Channel |
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