Mikis Theodorakis

Passacailles

The 'Passacailles for two Pianos' were written during the years (1954-60) when the composer lived and studied in Paris. During this period his compositional technique was dominated by a system of tetrachords built on the basic melodic material. The 'Passacailles' may be regarded as typical examples of the aesthetic doctrine favoured by Theodorakis during this period when he incorporated tetrachords and still dominant classical compositional techniques into his own very personal contemporary conception. The soundscape generated by the two pianos, seemingly in competition with each other, is certainly amongst the most extreme and most enigmatic experiences to be found in the diverse and wide-ranging (oEuvre of this important contemporary composer.