About the Odyssey

Homer

Homer was a poet, either historical or legendary, who lived in the 9th or 10th century BC and composed the Iliad and the Odyssey.

The Iliad and the Odyssey form a poetic cycle covering a long sequence of events from the dawn of time, when the gods fought among themselves, to the end of the era of heroes in Greek history, which concluded with the death of Odysseus, the hero of the Odyssey.

Mikis Theodorakis

Composer Mikis Theodorakis was the most important Greek composer of the 20th century. After completing his studies in Paris, he devoted his time to revitalizing the roots of Greek culture and restoring lost honor to the music of Greece.

Kostas Kartelias

Poet Kostas Kartelias, from the town of Kymi on the island of Euboea, wrote a series of fourteen poems expressing the moods and emotions of Odysseus during his long and arduous journey home: nostalgia, fears, temptations, terrors, and torments.

The Collaboration

In 2006, Theodorakis and Kartelias collaborated to compose the series of poems of the Odyssey, orchestrated by Irina Valentinova.

This is the last series of songs composed by Mikis Theodorakis.

Maria Farandouri

The poetry was performed in 2007 by the singer Maria Farandouri , in the presence of the poet and composer. Farandouri is known, among other things, for her rendition of "Esmata" ( YouTube).

Contact: kostaskartel.58@gmail.com