ZAKYNTHOS TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SONGS - ZANTE GREECE
Mandolin
Zakynthos Traditional Music - Kantades - Arekies - Holidays in Zante Island Greece
The Zakynthians are known for their love of music, and like many of the other arts the Venetians strongly influenced the music on the island. The first school of Music was founded in 1815. The typical music associated with Zakynthos is 'kantades' songs sung to the accompaniment of a mandolin or guitar and they often feature improvised lyrics. They sound Italian as they are normally sweet romantic songs. The most famous player of Kandatas was Zakynthian Georgios Kostis and other notable musician's include Pavlos Carrer and Panagiotis Gritzanis.
When thinking of Greek music, the first sound and thought that comes to most peoples minds is the tune of Zorba the Greek and Bouzouki (long necked lute) music.
Bouzouki music is popular on Zakynthos, with tourists and locals alike, and features as the accompaniment to many of the traditional Zakynthian dances.