Nikolaos Mantzaros and the Emergence of a Greek Composer (Durrell Studies 5)

Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872) was the pre-eminent composer in the evolution of classical music in modern Greece. This book is the first comprehensive study of his life and work to appear in English. It highlights the social and cultural context of Corfu (Mantzaros’ birthplace), its experience under the British Protectorate (1815-1864), and its annexation to the state of Greece. Mantzaros’ central role as an educator and composer, and his development as a composer with strong affiliation to Italian musical thought are described in meticulous detail, while his reputation as the composer of Greece’s national anthem is contrasted with his more esoteric work as a theorist and pedagogue and his influence on future generations of Greek composers.