Greece mourns death of multifaceted composer Mikis Theodorakis
Athens, Sep 2 (EFE).- Mikis Theodorakis died on Thursday at 96 years old, but his role in defining the musical landscape of Greece lives on as the country’s most internationally cherished, prolific, and versatile composer during the past century.
After having brushed with death several times in the past few years, Theodorakis spent his last 10 days at home, with a bottle of oxygen at his side for respiratory aid.
Theodorakis’ heart stopped Thursday morning.
His oeuvre has made an impact in every Greek citizen’s life, all of whom extensively know his work, as much his folkloric anthems as well as his symphonic and political pieces throughout the past 70 years.
He composed in 1964 the original soundtrack for the movie Zorba the Greek, directed and edited by Michael Cacoyannis, which put folkloric Greek sounds under the international spotlight.
He also composed other scores for feature films, such as Z, Costa-Gavras’ State of Siege, and Sydney Lumet’s Serpico.
The artist defined himself as a progressive, and led a very political life, having served in various political positions for both the communist KKE party, as well as the conservative New Democracy.
Contrary to other Greek political figures known for wide swings across the political spectrum, Theodorakis managed to earn the respect of the whole range of parties, and all of them, from left to right, have shared their condolences at the loss of the artist.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis decreed three days of national mourning to honour Theodorakis’ human and political legacy. EFE
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