Elegy for Mikis

by Matti Heininen

in memoriam Mikis Theodorakis

for solo piano

Description

As its name suggests, this piano piece is a small elegy for the well-known Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis (1925–2021). The work was composed at the request of pianist Konstantina Vidalaki, as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Theodorakis’s birth. The word elegy is to be understood here in its original Greek meaning.

The composition contains references both to Theodorakis’ music and to traditional Cretan music. However, at the heart of the piece lies resonance—a phenomenon that all surface-level gestures and elements serve.

Resonances are present throughout the piece. The work begins with silently depressed keys, which interact with played notes to create so-called sympathetic resonances (overtones) in the piano. Tones that are neither played nor pressed begin to resonate. Toward the end of the work, these resonances grow stronger and become more prominent.

One may imagine that it is through these resonances that Theodorakis’ spirit speaks to the listener.

The resonances are written in a way that does not require the use of the sostenuto pedal (the middle pedal of the piano), making the piece playable on instruments without one. However, if a sostenuto pedal is available, its use may facilitate performance.

Instrumentation

pno

Category

Works for Solo Instrument

Premiere

First performed April 2025, Helsinki, Temppeliaukio Church. Konstantina Vidalaki (Piano)

Commisioned by / dedications

Written for and dedicated to Konstantina Vidalaki

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Archive number

MF36055

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