Search - Dimitra Manda, Mikis Theodorakis :: Mia Thalassa

Serenity with Spice

Lygia Grigoris | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The absolutely beautiful music here is not just for lovers of Greek music. Like most international sounds, this blends the best of best. The title, meaning "one river" gives a hint to its appeal: it just flows in and out and takes you with it. The vocals are to die for; Angelique is true to her name. You don't have to understand the words to feel them. Her rich tones and multi-faceted style just swoop you right in. The instrumentals in the background are equally superb. They are a unique blend of greek and more classical, so it's great to play when you have friends over and aren't quite sure what to put on first. Everyone I've played this CD for has really liked it. In fact, I'm on my third copy. I keep having to give them away! Even my teenage daughter occasionally steals it for the times she just wants to sit and have some serenity (with spice)."

Thalassa means "sea" not river

Lygia Grigoris | Arlington, MA USA | 02/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't heard the CD yet but there's a good chance I'll purchase it soon as the review I read was great. I'm just a stickler as far as translation goes.... The artist very likely chose the word "sea" for a reason. The imagery that "one sea" conjures is quite different from one conjured by the word "river"."

Extraordinary Recording of Modern Greek Poetry Set to Music

Peter Botteas | Boston, MA | 10/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An extraordinary recording by one of the finest interpreters of Greek poetry set to music. A lovely set of poems by Dimitra Manda, which translates "A Sea Filled with Music," is exquisitely set to music by Mikis Theodorakis, in sumptuous orchestrations for cello, piano and double-bass by master arranger Christian Boissel. Theodorakis himself leaves much to be desired as an orchestrator, but in Boissel's hands, his haunting melodies are draped in velvets and silks, both in bold and discreet hues. Ionatos' unique voice is not dulcet, nor is her sound that of a classical singer. Rather, she has the grit of Piaf, with a similarly tight vibrato, and interprets her music with great subtlety, pathos, and tenderness, without every being syrupy. If you enjoy this recording, look for Sappho de Mytilène, with both Ionatos and Nena Venetsanou on vocals. The album is Ionatos' own compositions to the poetry of Sappho."