Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: guitar
Song Meaning of “Cretan Dance: Theme from Zorba the Greek” by Mikis Theodorakis
‘Cretan Dance: Theme from Zorba the Greek’ by Mikis Theodorakis is an iconic piece of music that first made its way to the public consciousness in the 1964 film adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel. It is an instrumental that perfectly encapsulates the feel of a celebratory dance – one that reflects passion, joy, and the zest for life that characterizes the protagonist, Zorba. The enchanting melody of this piece is driven by complex rhythms and accordion accompaniment, invoking the passionate and carefree atmosphere of traditional Cretan dances.
In this piece, we can feel how Zorba’s own life reflects the spirit of a Cretan dance. His unconventional path of enlightenment and liberation from the mundane has to do with the playfulness and improvisation that is a hallmark of such cheerful dances. He shakes off limitations imposed by societal standards and allows the music to transport him to a joyful place of unboundedness. The bouncy rhythm of Theodorakis’ piece mirrors this unfettered freedom, leading us across a joyful landscape of love, laughter, and celebration that captures the essence of Zorba’s life and journey.