THE MUSICAL TRADITION

THE MUSICAL TRADITION

The folk songs of Skyros have been transmitted from one generation to another by way of the oral tradition. Though  differences naturally exist among individual singers and the fact that the majority of songs  are highly  melismatic and performed  in free - mater, it was readily apparent that a definite "Skyrian"  style of singing  existed.  Therefore, each of my field recording expeditions, a very conscious effort was made to record  as many versions  of a song from as many people  as possible. Each of the Figures  1-3 serves as a typical example that illustrates various versions of a given  melody.             A majority of the folk song repertoire is categorized by the Skyrians themselves according to function: such as lullabies, love engagement and wedding songs,  family songs , dance songs, songs for specific religious ceremonies and festivals, the carnival season,  etc. Certain songs  related to chores such as weaving,  washing  clothes and harvesting  are primarily sung  by women. On New Year's Eve, the feast - day of Saint Basil who was one of the Fathers of the Greek Orthodox Church , children  as well as adults go from house to house singing kálanda  or carols. Apart from their religious contents , kálanda  bring good wishes  and praises  to the households.             On the day of Epiphany (January  6th), priests bless the wells, the springs, and even the sea. Since  the following  day is Saint John's Day, these two religious events are celebrated with songs that may have more  to do with love than with beliefs. The text of one such song is:   Example 1 (Song No.2) Today is Epiphany And tomorrow is St. John's Day; I have a pain in my heart, But who will soothe it? Example  2 (Song No. 1) Today is Epiphany It is St. John's Day, For the sake of God, Won't you come out so I can see you; Come, so we can talk awhile, Sweet orange  of mine, For the sake of God, Won't you come  out so I can see you? Come to me, my spring of mint, Have pity on this lonely soul.