Idea

The Classical Cretan Lyra

Concept & Vision
The Classical Cretan Lyra is Yiorgos Kaloudis’s reimagining of the traditional Cretan lyra, adapted to perform Western classical repertoire. By adding a low-C string and refining playing techniques, he bridges centuries of Greek musical heritage with the spirit of Western classical music.

The Inspirational Journey
Rooted in both Cretan and Corfiot musical lineage—fourth-generation lyra performer and third-generation cellist—Kaloudis has dedicated over two decades to research, experimentation, and innovation. This work culminated in the 2016 release of J.S. Bach: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra, marking the first time this repertoire was performed on the instrument.

Cretan Lyra from Sir Arthur John Evans’s Diaries

 

Ellipse

Bridging an Ancient Instrument with Classical Polyphony

The traditional three-string Cretan lyra lacked the range and techniques to fully perform Western European polyphony. Yiorgos Kaloudis addressed this by:

  • Expanding the range — adding the cello’s low-C string.

  • Refining technique — developing bowing and left-hand methods for polyphonic complexity.

These innovations allow the lyra to honor its heritage while embracing the richness of classical music.

 

BIRTH

The Evolution of the Classical Cretan Lyra

Yiorgos Kaloudis has transformed the traditional lyra into a versatile instrument capable of performing a wide range of classical repertoire:

  • Structural Transformations — added a fourth string (low C), expanded the fingerboard, adjusted bridge and soundpost, and redesigned the body for deeper frequencies, extending the range to about five octaves.

  • Sympathetic Strings — incorporated twenty sympathetic strings (including 8 bass strings above the low C) for richer resonance.

  • Bow Technique — with a specially crafted Viola d’Amore Baroque bow by Sylvie Masson, Kaloudis combines modern and early-music techniques: détaché, legato, spiccato, martelé, tremolo, col legno, and more.

  • Fingerboard Technique — integrating cello-inspired wrist positions and a thumb technique, he expands expressive possibilities: trills, vibrato, harmonics, double stops, and slurs, alongside an eneadic positioning system for precise intonation and well-tempered sonority.

These innovations allow the Classical Cretan Lyra to retain its heritage while performing complex classical music with remarkable expressive range.

Cultural Impact

Expanding the Horizons of the Classical Cretan Lyra

  • Repertoire Expansion — Over two decades, Kaloudis has curated, transcribed, and composed works for the Classical Cretan Lyra, from Medieval to Contemporary music.

  • Landmark Album — J.S. Bach: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra (2016–17) introduced major classical works on a traditional Greek instrument, receiving international acclaim, including in Gramophone magazine.

  • Research & Publications — Author of The Classical Cretan Lyra Method and scholarly editions of Bach and Early Music, providing resources for musicians and educators.

  • Contemporary Reach — Featured at Athens Megaron (2021), musicAeterna’s Dom Radio, Saint Petersburg, Diaghilev Festival (2023, Perm), and Oslo Concert Hall (2023), reinterpreting works by Purcell, Marin Marais, Monteverdi, and others. These performances position the Classical Cretan Lyra in both historical and modern concert contexts.