TOIS EN SKOTEI AMARTIMATON [Greek Orthodox]

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Hijaz Concert - Cockpit Theatre , London - 4 March 2010
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Programme No. 04. Tois en skotei [Τοις εν σκότει αμαρτημάτων To those in the darkness of sin...]
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Composer: Simon Karas Spiro Antonopoulos (vocals) [Greek Orthodox]
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Followed by Taksim in Hicaz by Cahit Baylav (violin)
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This setting of the Byzantine chanted hymn "Tois en skotei" is by the Greek musicologist and cantor Simon Karas (c. 1940). The melodic tradition for the hymn, on which his version is based, dates to at least the 15th century. It is an Idiomelon (special melody) for the Eastern Orthodox period of Great Lent.
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This hymn is in the Byzantine equivalent of Hijaz, that is Plagal of Second mode. The composer uses the Hijaz mode, consisting of the base tetrachord D-G, with a flattened E and 3/4 sharped F, as the framework for expressing the introspective and penitential ethos of the 40-day fast. On top of this framework, the melodist utilizes modal variants, all having reference to Hijaz, to express the feeling associated with certain words: e.g., "darkness" (Nikriz mode), "shined" (Hagia mode), and "arise, O God" (Ussak mode).
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We asked our Turkish violinist to extend the tone of the vocal piece by performing an improvised violin "taksim" in Hijaz mode.
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"THE MAQAM PROJECT @ SOAS" is a project designed to develop public understandings about the "maqam" system in Middle Eastern and other modal musics.
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Our inaugural concert at the Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone ["An Evening in Hijaz Mode" - 4 March 2010] featured songs and instrumental pieces from various national traditions, in one of the popular modes the mode of Hijaz, and its associates.
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The "Maqam Project" is organised by Ed Emery, with support from the Music Department of the School of Oriental and African Studies [SOAS, London]
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If you wish to join our mailing list for upcoming seminars and concerts, please send an e-mail to ed.emery [@] soas.ac.uk
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Website for SOAS Music Department:
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http://www.soas.ac.uk/music/
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Website for Maqam information:
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www.maqamworld.com
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