Why, it seems like only yesterday that Zorba’s composer danced his last. Mikis Theodorakis died in 2021 at the age of 96. One of Greece’s best-known musical exports, Theodorakis was world famous for his score to the film “Zorba the Greek” (1964). Now, wouldn’t you know it, it’s already his centenary!
As a former student of Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatory, Theodorakis also composed dozens of concert and dramatic works, even as he continued to attract international attention with his more than one thousand songs. All the while, he remained politically active, variously jailed, exiled, and elected to the Greek Parliament.
Never afraid to speak his mind, Theodorakis was a controversial figure. No one can deny that he also brought a lot of beauty into the world.
He certainly did his best to live up to his surname. “Theodorakis” derives from the Ancient Greek “Theódōros,” composed of “theós” (divine, deity, god) and “dôron” (gift). Essentially, “God’s gift.” Unquestionably, he gave generously of himself.
Theodorakis may no longer be with us, but on the 100th anniversary of his birth, the dance goes on.
Theodorakis’ obituary from the BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58419832
The music that sealed Theodorakis’ immortality
His Symphony No. 2, with Cyprien Katsaris at the piano
“Honeymoon” (from the Michael Powell film)
Covered by The Beatles
The theme from “Z”
“Antonis,” on which it was based
As heard in the song cycle, “Mauthausen Trilogy,” on poems by Iakovos Kambanellis, survivor of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp
Zorba flash mob
