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.
Classical Cretan Lyra
The Classical Cretan Lyra is one of the oldest bowed instruments in Europe, tracing its lineage to the 9th-century Byzantine lyra. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of Greek musical tradition.
Greek cellist, improviser, and composer Yiorgos Kaloudis has dedicated over twenty years to exploring and expanding the expressive possibilities of this ancient instrument, bridging traditional techniques with classical and contemporary music.
J.S. BACH – Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra
In 2016, after twelve years of research, Kaloudis released J.S. BACH: Cello Suites on the Cretan Lyra (DNA_L Records), introducing the lyra to the world of classical music.
For the first time, Bach’s solo cello repertoire was performed on a traditional Greek instrument, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with Western classical traditions. Kaloudis added a fourth string (low C) and refined both left- and right-hand techniques, expanding the lyra’s range and enabling performances of classical European repertoire.
LA RÊVEUSE – Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra
In LA RÊVEUSE, Kaloudis explores medieval and Renaissance repertoire, revealing the lyra’s subtle timbres and technical possibilities.
The program features compositions by Guido d’Arezzo, anonymous English works, Guillaume de Machaut, Sainte Colombe, and Marin Marais. Through innovative transcriptions and adaptations, the lyra functions both as a solo instrument and accompaniment to vocals, bringing centuries of Western European polyphony to life.
ONGOING RESEARCH
Two Decades of Vision and Innovation
For over twenty years, Greek cellist, improviser, and composer Yiorgos Kaloudis has dedicated himself to researching, transcribing, and composing for the Classical Cretan Lyra, spanning music from the Medieval and Renaissance periods through Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary eras.
His work includes sheet music publications, recordings in progress, and ongoing artistic research that expands the expressive potential of this ancient instrument.
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 represent the culmination of extensive research, careful selection, adaptation, and arrangement of classical repertoire for the Lyra.
Kaloudis is currently completing:
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 from the Method book.
Become Part of a Musical Legacy
The journey of the Classical Cretan Lyra continues, and you are invited to be part of its future. Your support helps preserve and expand the voice of this ancient instrument, connecting centuries of Greek musical heritage with today’s classical and contemporary music.
Even a small contribution makes a meaningful difference—supporting research, new compositions, recordings, and performances that bring the Lyra to audiences around the world.
Why your support matters
Sustains research, transcription, and composition for the Classical Cretan Lyra.
Enables new recordings, publications, and live performances.
Encourages contemporary collaborations and fresh musical projects.
Ways to contribute
Make a one-time or recurring donation.
Share the project with friends and communities who care about music.
Connect with us to explore partnerships, commissions, or creative collaborations.
Thank you for joining this journey. Together, we can help the Classical Cretan Lyra continue to inspire and resonate around the world.