“In one of my many visits to Mikis’s home, we listened together to The Ballad of Mauthausen, with poetry by Iakovos Kambanellis, in its different orchestrations. This came after the transcription of Epitaphios for piano and voice, and we once again faced the same question: how can music be transferred into another form without losing its deep imprint?
As we discussed the various orchestrations of the work, he listened silently, with that familiar contemplative gaze. At some point, he turned and pointed to his piano:
‘Here is your orchestra,’ he told me. With this phrase, we began—together with the composer himself—the transcription of The Ballad of Mauthausen for piano and voice. This transcription will now resound on the stage of Megaron, as it was born: with respect, love, and the living presence of Mikis in every note.”
— Stefanos Korkolis
The program is complemented by lyrical songs of the great composer in lied form, which, through the interpretive approach of the two performers, reveal their inner depth and melodic beauty.
