Cretan music is an outstanding feature of the Cretan culture and is renowned worldwide. The Cretans are known for their love for festivities and fairs, which they organize all year round. They take pleasure in traditional food, wine, and local dances in traditional attires. What are the primary musical instruments that are featured in Cretan music and make it so beloved across the world?
The Lyra
The Cretan lyra is a traditional musical instrument that is widely recognized in Crete. It is a three-stringed instrument and is played using a bow. The lyra is a central component of traditional Cretan music and is often the primary instrument in musical performances and festivals. It can also be played solo, without any accompaniment from other musical instruments. Often, the organist plays the lyra along with a mantinada, a four-line rhymed poem. Many skilled lyra players from Crete are beloved by the locals, and in several places on the island, people are taught to play this unique musical instrument, which has a distinctive melody.
The Thiaboli
The thiaboli or souravli is a unique wind instrument that bears a striking resemblance to a flute. It is a traditional musical instrument that is commonly found in the Greek islands and Cyprus, and it has different names depending on the specific location. The thiaboli is closely associated with traditional music and Cretan culture on the island of Crete, where it is usually handmade by the musician. It is typically made from reed, and less commonly from wood or metal. The thickness and length of the thiaboli determine its timbre, and it is tuned to suit Greek traditional music. When played, it adds a touch of enchantment to the orchestra.
The Lute
This stringed musical instrument is primarily found in Crete and is as old in Cretan culture and tradition as the violin. Only in recent decades has the lute gained popularity in more areas of the island. It has also undergone changes in size and role within the orchestra, now serving mainly as an accompanying instrument to the main violin or lyra. Do you think you would be able to recognize the sound of a lute at a festival?
The Mandolin
This particular musical instrument didn’t always have a role in the Cretan musical orchestra as it does today. Originating from Italy, it features unique decorations made of materials such as ebony, ivory, and tortoiseshell. Despite its foreign origin, it has become a well-known instrument throughout the world and holds a significant place in the expression of Cretan musical tradition. Initially, the instrument was used for melodic accompaniment, but it has gradually gained prominence in Cretan musical culture, highlighting its leading role in the musical tradition.
The Askomantoura
A unique and traditional musical instrument that has its roots in ancient Greece. It comprises of two parts – a small goatskin pouch and a wooden tube. Its construction is complex and it is usually made by the musicians themselves rather than being purchased. The sound it produces is distinctive and blends perfectly with other musical instruments in a Cretan orchestra. However, this impressive instrument is sadly becoming increasingly rare in Crete. Fortunately, a few dedicated musicians are keeping the tradition alive and not letting it fade away.
Plenty of other musical instruments are played during a Cretan festival which have evolved to complement the unique musical culture of the island, such as the violin or the guitar. At a local panigiri, you’ll encounter a range of musical instruments, from wind instruments to drums, which have been adapted to match the island’s distinctive musical culture. If you’re passionate about music, there’s no better place to be than Crete, where the arts and music thrive. The Cretans integrate singing and dancing into their daily lives, and professional musicians provide the perfect accompaniment with their melodious instruments.