CLASSICAL CRETAN LYRA

 

“The sound, the vibrations, the depth of the rich harmonics, the melodic lines, the chords and the timbres of the sound of the senses Classical Cretan Lyra revealed a divine beauty, exposed through J.S. Bach's work, bringing an ancient quality of sound and a precious silence of the Aegean Sea to my senses”. Y.K.

In 2016, after twelve years of dedicated research and experimentation, Yiorgos Kaloudis released J.S. BACH: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra through the independent label DNA Records. This work introduced the distinctive sound of the Classical Cretan Lyra—a traditional instrument with roots on the island of Crete—to the world of classical music.

For the first time, classical repertoire was interpreted on a traditional Greek instrument, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with Western classical traditions. Drawing on his Cretan heritage and his background as a cellist, Kaloudis developed a unique musical voice that bridges cultures and eras.

To make this possible, he adapted the traditional Cretan Lyra by adding a fourth string—the cello’s low C—and refining the playing techniques for both hands. This innovation expanded the instrument’s range and made it capable of interpreting Classical European music, opening new possibilities for its repertoire and performance.

The project not only enriches the instrument’s expressive potential but also positions the Classical Cretan Lyra within a broader global context, creating a dialogue between Greek musical heritage and the classical tradition.

ONGOING RESEARCH

Two Decades of Vision and Innovation

For over twenty years, Yiorgos Kaloudis has immersed himself in researching, transcribing, and composing for the Classical Cretan Lyra, exploring eras from Medieval and Renaissance through Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary. The list below presents his most significant contributions—sheet music publications, recordings in progress, and his broader artistic mission:

 

Featured Publications

  • Classical Cretan Lyra Method (sheet music book)

  • J.S. Bach – Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra (sheet music book)

  • “La Rêveuse” – Classical Cretan Lyra on Early Music (sheet music book).

These publications are the result of exhaustive, lifelong research—selecting, adapting, and arranging classical works that showcase the Lyra’s potential. Yiorgos is currently completing the scores for:

  • Bach's Cello Suites arranged for the Lyra

  • Additional Early Music repertoire

  • The comprehensive Classical Cretan Lyra Method

New Recordings in Development

  • Classical Cretan Lyra Method — an audio recording featuring etudes, scales, exercises, and techniques included in the Method book

Become Part of a Musical Legacy

The journey of the Classical Cretan Lyra is unfolding, and you have the power to be a part of its future!
We warmly invite anyone who resonates with this mission to support and join our creative venture.

Your assistance goes beyond financial support—it sustains pioneering research, the development of a rich repertoire, and the expansion of this instrument’s presence in the classical music world. Every contribution, large or small, has a meaningful impact and brings us closer to sharing this tradition more widely.

Why your support matters:

  • It enables ongoing research, transcription, and composition for the Classical Cretan Lyra.

  • It helps launch new recordings, publications, and live performances.

  • It fosters contemporary compositions—bringing fresh voices and collaborations to this evolving instrument.

Ways to contribute:

  • Make a one-time or recurring donation (consider proposed tiers to guide support).

  • Share our story with friends and communities passionate about music innovation.

  • Connect directly to explore deeper involvement—partnership, commissions, or creative projects.

Thank you for considering joining this extraordinary journey. Together, we can nurture the Classical Cretan Lyra’s voice in the world of classical music.

Contact us anytime—we'd love to hear from you.