Love Enters the Dance at “Stou Taxiarchi to Platy”

Written by Sotiris Bekas

The truth is that Tilos is a little bit less known than the rest of the Dodecanese, not because it lacks history, culture, and natural beauty, on the contrary. It’s like a capricious maiden that holds her secrets for years, struggling to keep them hidden, only for those who embark on the journey to discover them. One of its most treasured aspects is its local folk music, which has seen limited publications and recordings. This is evident in the single released today, featuring one of the most popular and beautiful songs of Tilos, titled ‘Stou Taxiarchi to platý‘ (‘At Taxiarchis’ Wide Place’).

The initiative belongs to composer Michalis Koumbios, who introduces us to an upcoming comprehensive album with songs of Tilos, expressing his undeniable love for his birthplace. He also presents his work through the study of earlier sources and personal recordings on the island.

Today’s release already unveils well-crafted material, interpreted by Maria Anamaterou (vocals), Theologos Michellis (violin), Manolis Androulidakis (lute, guitar), George Venetis (santur), and Stefanos Larentzakis (percussion).

Regarding the history behind this specific song, Michalis Koumbios explains: “‘Stou Taxiarchi to platý’ is a love song referring to the patron saint of the Megalo Chorio village of Tilos, Taxiarchis. It was usually sung on the eve of his feast day on November 8, at the festivity held at the nearby café, and also on July 28 during the celebratory festivity, which includes the custom of the ‘koupa’ at the yard of Taxiarchis church. In the past, the ‘koupa night’ was an opportunity for young men and women of the island to meet and initiate their first romances. The old residents of Megalo Chorio not only sang but also danced this song, and because it had a special mission, they called it ‘Apostolitiko‘ (‘Apostolic’). What was its mission? Through this dance, the people of Tilos secured the gathering of a significant amount of money to meet the financial obligations of the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas. This custom is faithfully observed in Tilos to this day. On the evening of July 28th, everyone gathers at the pebbled yard of Taxiarchis for the festivity. When the festivity reaches its peak, a deep vessel becomes the protagonist of the night. As soon as the Apostolitiko dance begins, the ‘koupa’ passes from woman to woman. The woman who holds the ‘koupa’ dances first, and the man who honors her throws his coin inside. Then the ‘koupa’ passes to the next woman, who will dance first, and so on. In Nisyros and Kos, the Apostolitiko dance is performed as an instrumental tune, but not sung.

Check more here
https://orcd.co/stoutaxiarhitoplaty

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