LA RÊVEUSE: Early Music on the Classical Cretan Lyra

For over 20 years, Greek cellist, improviser, composer, and researcher Yiorgos Kaloudis has explored the Classical Cretan Lyra, one of Europe’s oldest bowed instruments, in the context of Early Music.

In this program, featuring medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, the lyra reveals its full timbral richness and technical capabilities. Through Kaloudis’ transcriptions and innovations, the instrument responds brilliantly to repertoire originally written for the viola da gamba.

LA RÊVEUSE showcases the lyra both as a solo instrument and as accompaniment to Kaloudis’ vocals. The program offers a journey through Western European polyphony—from Guido D’Arezzo’s hymn Ut Queant Laxis, the earliest English songs of the 13th century, to French masterpieces by Guillaume de Machaut, Sainte Colombe, and Marin Marais—highlighting the lyra’s expressive depth across centuries.

Program (approx. 70’ – no intermission)

  • Guido d’Arezzo (c. 991–1033) – Ut Queant Laxis

  • England (Anon, 1225) – Miri It Is While Summer Ilast

  • Guillaume de Machaut (1300–1377)

    • Le Remède de Fortune

    • Le Jugement du Roi de Navarre: Tres douce dame que j’aour

    • Je Vivroie Liement

    • Douce Dame Jolie

  • Sainte Colombe (1640–1700) – Les Pleurs

  • Marin Marais (1656–1728)

    • Musette

    • Le Badinage

    • L’Agréable

    • La Rêveuse

Yiorgos Kaloudis – Classical Cretan Lyra, vocals, transcriptions

 
Tour Dates

Booking:
classicalcretanlyra@gmail.com