Lefkada has long been recognised as having a rich and important folk tradition. It merges Ionian island and Greek mainland, largely because of its geography being an island linked by floating bridge to the mainland. The instruments used are the violin and clarinet from mainland traditions and accordion and lute from Ionian traditions. Lefkada music and dance in turn fed back into each of those traditions and have become established across Greece. Hence the influence of Lefkada in Greek folk music has been considerable. The annual Lefkada International Folklore Festival continues this tradition.
Alexandros was renowned; with virtuoso musicians, singers and dancers. Music and dance formed a regular part of the life in Alexandros, with weekly performances and dances in the village square. Some traditional Lefkadian songs are said to be written by Alexandros musicians, although it is hard to be sure.
Below are actual recordings from 1963 of dance music and songs played by musicians from Alexandros. The recording were made by the Hellenic Folklore Research Centre.
Songs
The plains thirst for water. Table song sung by Xenophon Vrettos
I had a heart that blossomed. Love song sung by Xenophon Vrettos.
Welcome my dear friends. Welcome song sung by Xenophon Vrettos.
Dances
Milia (Apple Tree) – Xenophon Vrettos (vocals), Nikolaos Vryonis (clarinet), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
Lemonia (Lemon Tree) – Xenophon Vrettos (vocals), Nikolaos Vryonis (clarinet), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
Barbouni (Little Mullet) – Xenophon Vrettos (vocals), Nikolaos Vryonis (clarinet), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
Karavakia (Little Boat) – Nikolaos Vryonis (clarinet), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
Golfo – Nikolaos Vryonis (clarinet), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
Diamanto – Nikolaos Vryonis (vocals), George Verrikios (violin), Stavros Katopodis (lute), Nikolaos Katopodis (accordion).
A Greek Wedding
A traditional village wedding was accompanied by music at every stage. These songs take you through a full wedding. All are sung by Xenophon Vrettos.
My sieve, my dear sieve – During sieving of flour for the brides wedding bread rolls, made in a knot shape.
Come mother, put a silver piece on it – During the making of the brides wedding bread rolls
Jesus Christ, how much I enjoy – At the wedding banquet at the groom’s
I wish I were a cool breeze – When they load the trousseau on a horseback
I bid farewell, my father – When the bride leaves her house and walks to the groom’s
Come out, my lady, my mother-in-law – When they arrive at the groom’s place and the mother-in-law welcomes the bride.
This very morning – next morning when the musicians go to wake up the newly married couple.
The bride got to dance – The song sung by the bride when she gets to dance
More Information
An article about the old music and dance in Alexandros – Lefkada NEA – in Greek
Greek Folk Songs from Lefkada
The annual Lefkada International Folklore Festival.
Dance and Cultural Identity on Lefkada – a thesis – PDF in English