Digenis and Death - Epic Byzantine Music

[@faryafaraji]

Music & vocals by Farya Faraji, poem by Kostis Palamas, artwork by Dimitris Skourtelis, tsambouna by Dimitris Athanasopoulos, lyra by Illias de Sutter Ntavlidis. Please note that this isn't reconstructed music from the medieval era, only modern music. Please note this isn't reconstructed historical music, it's modern folk music. The Epic Byzantine Music series is a musical project where I explore various sounds from the ethnomusicological ecosystem of modern traditional music, using sounds from modern folk traditions as they are today as a framing device for themes pertaining to the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. Whilst many of my previous songs used elements of Cretan music into a broader, pan-Greek kind of sound, I really wanted to write a piece of music entirely Cretan in style, and pay homage to the genre of Akritic songs, one of the oldest forms of Greek traditional music dating back to the Middle-Ages, popular in Crete, where songs would be written about the Akrites, frontiersmen who guarded the outer limits of the Byzantine Empire. Most Akritic songs tend to deal with the figure of Digenis Akritas, the Hercules of Medieval Greek literature, who in the legends, is a half Cappadocian Greek, half Arab Akrites who performs legendary deeds in battle. This poem was written by Kostis Palamas, a prominent Greek poet of the 20th century, and it is his take on the many versions of Digenis's death. Whilst earlier versions of the legend had him die on his deathbed, later versions recount him fighting Death itself in one to one combat, ultimately losing to it (in many versions, he only loses because Death cheats). It is interesting to note the synthesis of pre-Christian pagan Greek elements recycled into a Christian framework, as Death is called Charon (who in Ancient Greek mythology, was only a boatman allowing the dead to travel to Tartarus, whereas in the Akritic songs, he becomes equated with Death itself). Instead of a Christian heaven or hell, Digenis is being brought to Tartarus, also called Hades. Dimitris Skourtelis' artwork, used here, shows Charon with Christian, angelic like features. I wrote the song to be in a typical Cretan form, inspired by Cretan syrtos, pentozali and siganos genres, with the Cretan lyra and Cretan tsambouna played expertly by my collaborators. A laouto provides the basic power chord progression supporting the melody. The modern Cretan tradition of the laouto shows an interesting synthesis of native Greek music with Venetian influences on the island: the principle of the chord progressions in Crete is that they will apply a basic power chord matching the main notes of the melody's structure. So if a root part of the melody is in C, the laouto will switch the chord to a C power chord as long as the melody remains rooted in that note. This is effectively the same principle as the isokratima of Orthodox chant, which does the same thing with drone vocals, but the laouto adds to it two additional notes forming a triadic chord based in the Western tonal system, something brought to Crete by Venetian influence, whereas the isokratima only supports the main melody by providing a single note without harmonics, whereas the harmonic support of chord progressions is triadic in nature. Lyrics in Greek: Καβάλλα πάει ο Χάροντας το Διγενή στον 'Αδη, κι άλλους μαζί... Κλαίει, δέρνεται τ' ανθρώπινο κοπάδι. Και τους κρατεί στου αλόγου του δεμένους τα καπούλια, της λεβεντιάς τον άνεμο, της ομορφιάς την πούλια. Και σα να μην τον πάτησε στου Χάρου το ποδάρι, ο Ακρίτας μόνο ατάραχα κοιτάει τον καβαλλάρη! Ο Ακρίτας είμαι, Χάροντα, δεν περνώ με τα χρόνια. Μ’ άγγιξες και δε μ’ ένοιωσες στα μαρμαρένια αλώνια; Είμ’ εγώ η ακατάλυτη ψυχή των Σαλαμίνων. Στην Εφτάλοφην έφερα το σπαθί των Ελλήνων. Δε χάνομαι στα Τάρταρα, μονάχα ξαποσταίνω. Στη ζωή ξαναφαίνομαι και λαούς ανασταίνω! English translation (by Demetrios Paraschos: Charon brings Digenis to Hades' domain, and others with him... The human herd weeps and laments, And he keeps them on his horse, bound by its hoods, The wind of valour, the bird of beauty. And as if he had not been tread by Charon's foot, Akritas, fearless, gazes at the horseman! I am Akritas, Charon, I do not succumb to the years. You touched me, yet you did not sense me on the marble threshing floors, did you? I am the invincible soul of Salamis' kin, I brought the sword of the Greeks to Eftalofe*, I do not perish in Tartarus, I only withdraw there to rest. I reappear in life and awake nations! *The Sevenhill, aka Constantinople.

[@aggelikintaliani]

A splendid effort at a kontylia, Farya! You’ve got the Cretan accent down cold, too! Two small notes on the English translation though, for your consideration; 1. “Charon brings Digenis to Hades’ domain *on horseback*” - felt like this was a significant omission, given that «καβάλα» is the text’s incipit. 2. «της ομορφιάς την *πούλια*» could either be translated as “the jewel of beauty” (the poúlia, with a lowercase π, is a metallic ornament Greek women used to adorn their dresses and scarves with) or “the star of beauty” (the Poúlia, with an uppercase Π, which is where the ornament gets its name from incidentally, is the common name the Byzantines assigned to the star cluster of the Pleiades - the modern Greeks, Palamas amongst them, still use it to this day). I do not have Palamas’ poem close at hand right now so I’m unsure which way he might have spelled the word, but it’s safe to say his intended meaning wasn’t “the bird of beauty”, as poulí (“bird”, plural pouliá) is only a paronym of πούλια/Πούλια. Thank you for this beautiful offering! Greetings from a Greek national with roots from your neighbouring Qazvin!

[@yllejord]

As far as I know, there is only one version where Digenis dies on his deathbed, some fanfiction written by one individual monk. Boring. The actual folksongs that are about his death always have him fight with Kharon. Those where older than the monk's poem (since they were the inspiration for it we can assume with some certainty that they were already in circulation) but were written down much later. The mood between the two death scenes, the one in the Epic and the ones in the songs, is staggeringly different.

[@jsuntres1]

Farya, every time I listen to your music it is a spiritual experience, but more so with this song! When are you going to perform in Greece? I’m amazed how you aren’t famous here yet! Being Greek and a musician, I think your music is unbelievably authentic sounding. And the fact that you sing so beautifully in Greek, and you understand Greek music so profoundly-perhaps better than almost anyone else-well Greeks will adore you!

[@bissariontriandafilov3538]

Pontiac greek have the ancient version this epos: Η Ρωμανία αν πεθαν, ανθεί και φέρει άλλον!

[@justinianthegreat1444]

Not going to lie, this inspired me to write a poem about the soldiers of early Spanish colonial period in a similar fashion, because like the Akritai they are facing constant raids and attacks from muslims.

[@souravignatius743]

I feel like Farya has a double degree in history and music

[@tor4472]

Don't forget language arts lol

[@ChristosAnagnostakis]

Digenis Akritas was a Greek hero during the Arab invasions against the Byzantine Empire. His father was an Arab Emir called Musur, who converted to Christianity and his mother the daughter of Andronikos Doukas, a Byzantine lord. His very name means that he is descended from two races (Di - genis = Δύο - Γένη = Two Races). The Akritai were Byzantine Greek borderguards as they replaced the Limitanei Roman borderguards. They were the shields of the Empire for centuries against the Saracen invaders and thus a source of inspiration for poets and bards.

[@dinos9607]

Technically speaking his father was not an Arab but a Syrian, he was from a border region in the norther western Syria where locals oscillated between Christianity and Islam offering their services to each Empire. His ancestors had turned to Islam but his father converted to Orthodox Christianity sealing a deal with the Roman Empire and he married a Roman noblewoman.

[@icxcnika1823]

​​@@dinos9607That's why Greek love Syria because of super hero Digenis Akritas .He lives in our hearts from our seventh year till our last . Byzantium for ever and ever ✝️🇬🇷👑

[@LocknLoad18]

Τέτοιους Έλληνες θέλουμε,να γνωρίζουν και να μεταδίδουν το φως.

[@MAKDavid-1]

@@icxcnika1823This is another Jewnanistani lies. BesArabian where not Jewnanistani neither was Hungarian king Béla 3rd that was rebranded as Jewnanistani king Alexios just as entire Cuman-Coman dynasty. Calling king Andras as Jewnanistani is just another lie just as rebranding Varangian guards as well….

[@Visitant01]

I didn’t realize you Greek nationalists still used the antiquated word “saracen” to denote Muslim Arabs. You have such a parochial and narrow view of the world. It’s sad.

[@vasilistheocharis164]

I am of akritis descent, my mother is a cappadocian Greek even like Digenis so I really love the fact that one of the few remaining folk heroes we have in Greece is a cappadocian one especially as Cappadocians are one of the smallest Greek subethnic groups left.

[@crisleersurban]

He doesn't exist tho? He is just a mysticized version of hercules

[@DemetriosLevi]

You even nailed the Cretan dialect...absolutely insane. This was an absolute banger my dude! Bravo to you, Dimitri, and Ilia for this masterpiece!

[@elmati6371]

Roma and Constantinopolis still lives in our hearts! Love from Chile my christian brothers 🇬🇷🇨🇱 Farya you’re doing an awesome job! I really love these songs

[@damonfeidias]

Constantinople was Greek till 1955 when Greeks left because of turkish pogrom. Officially it was Greek till 1453.

[@yavuz2638]

@elmati6371 İstanbul is still alive and well.And you are always welcome🤙🇹🇷

[@Σερραίος-δ3ω]

​@@yavuz2638Tesekur ederim. Istanbul= Είς την Πόλιν. 🇬🇷🇹🇷

[@hepotchka21]

@@yavuz2638 you wish

[@melniros1561]

Αυτό μάλιστα! Το χορεύω άνετα σε κρητικό γλέντι!!!

[@Pretorianes301]

As an Armenian, I was touched by your Greco/Roman (Byzantine) songs. Continue in the same spirit!

[@filipposxrc1862]

Your accent reminds me of the way Cretans talk. As a Greek, i deeply admire all of your work. Thank you

[@hliampouzoukiailliasdesutt8857]

It was a true pleasure to record lyra for this !

[@faryafaraji]

Pleasure to work with you Illias!

[@obabas80]

Get this man his Greek passport ASAP! Amazing rendition of a song about a legendary hero!

[@bernard3303]

This guy introduced a lot of people to greek music including myself, and I'm really loving it so far

[@soniah4821]

Farya, you’re a chameleon, you can adapt to any culture. Truly gifted.

[@samuelberteferreira]

🇬🇷Είθε ο Ακρίτας να ανέβει στον ουρανό με αυτό το τραγούδι!🇬🇷

[@LSSD1292]

Είναι ήδη στα ουράνια.

[@CHRISTOS_KAZANOPOULOS]

Ο άνθρωπος είναι Ιρανός μουσικολόγος και η γνώση και ο σεβασμός του για την ελληνική πολιτισμική κληρονομιά είναι μεγαλύτερη από το 99.9% των νεοελλήνων που κάνουν ήρωες κάτι αμόρφωτα καθάρματα σαν τον Κασιδιάρη

[@romanvalkansproductions5376]

bro m cringe . iremise ligo

[@Byzantiumforever4]

@@romanvalkansproductions5376 απλά του αρέσει η ιστορία των προγόνων του

[@icxcnika1823]

He is already sky high, in Heaven where he belongs ✝️👑🌹. And what's more cultivates our everlasting love for Orthodox Christian Greek speaking Byzantine Empire ✝️👑🌹🇬🇷

[@mariosathens1]

Digenis Akritas, "Hercules" for the Medieval Greeks of Anatolia/Asia Minor.

[@Daedalus_9]

You have a remarkable ability to sound like a unique Iranian singer from basically any period, AND like a unique Greek singer; your Serbian is also very good. Great song friend, the music always sounds very authentic. Cheers 💪

[@gromosawsmiay3000]

just for your information, His polish is perfect full, check His version of Bogurodzica (Mother of God) and version sung by poles....

[@NIKOS_GEROSIDERIS]

Foreigners really dont realise this guy was tha Achilles and Hercules of medieval times and its based on a real Human🇬🇷.

[@user-vb4mi5uo1i]

Long lives the Eastern Roman Empire !

[@kyriakosAngl]

​@@user-vb4mi5uo1i🇬🇷❤☦️💥

[@Weesel71]

Didn't know that. Now I do! Thanks.

[@rafaelbastos8713]

​@@Weesel71 It's actually based on a group of people. The Akritai were troops stationed on the borders with the east

[@rafaelbastos8713]

This is why he is "Digenis", because he has both ethnicities: Arab and Greek.

[@byzansimp]

Wow, I've never heard Cretan Akritic songs before, but I'm glad I now have. That tsambouna and lyra really hit the spot, their liveliness highlight the spirit of defiance from Digenes against Death. Truly, an immortal hero. Please consider making more Akritai-based songs, I can't seem to get enough of them.

[@TrajGreekFire]

We aren't getting Nicean track for your vid, don't we?

[@knyazvals4824]

A Byzantine song by Farya? And on my birthday? I think I am dreaming XD But seriously thank you for the song Farya, it is sure to make my birthday that one bit more Roman.

[@knyazvals4824]

@tofek3125 Sorry I am a bit late in responce but thank you :D

[@emmanouilkoutsouroumbis3007]

as a native Cretan, you absolutely nailed the accent

[@felixjaeger1635]

I'm currently studying Greek. This is great motivator to start daily practice. Great work!

[@damonfeidias]

For Greek check Yanni, Vangelis, Manos Hadjidakis, Mikis Theodorakis

[@Lopate123]

A worthy sequal to your first "Digenis Akritas" composition, Farya! Also, the bagpipes really take me back to Belisarius!

[@OneFlyingTonk]

Cretan music has since you first used its features in other songs left an impression in my ears I will never lose. I hope to one day be able to visit such a wonderful island. Gotta love that the poem has a Chuck Norris moment with the "I don't come here to die, I merely rest here" moment. Amazing song.

[@NtaGot]

you must see the cretan festivals.. thousands of (young) people dance and sing the traditional music. its absolutely amazing

[@AjjiTalktv]

ohhh you Greek guys don`t know how much I`m feeling this song as an Iranian

[@balkanmountains2-3131]

What a pleasant surprise! It is great to see you covering this beloved poem. Charos is actually mentioned in hundreds of thousands of Greek Traditional music songs (There are also many mentions of the underworld). Sometimes he appears as a rider, other times as a dark angel with wings etc. I remember one specific song from the region of Drama in Greek Macedonia where Charos comes to take a young girl, she tries to bargain with him but she grabs her hair and drags her out of the house. Then, her two brothers return from a journey and they actually chase down Charos and save their sister. Good stuff. P.S. The art of Dimitris Skourtelis is really underrated. You guys should look up his channel on KZbin.

[@patrapoutrouli]

Το τραγούδι πως λέγεται;;

[@balkanmountains2-3131]

@@patrapoutrouli Δύο Αδέρφια! Υπάρχει και διαφορετική έκδοση στην Ανατολική Ρωμυλία επίσης. Στο κανάλι του George Mavridis υπάρχει το τραγούδι που παίζει και Μακεδονική λύρα.

[@georgekiriak7027]

@@patrapoutrouli ο Διγενης και ο χαροντας - Κωστης Παλαμας

[@bienemaja3372]

Kairos ( Altgriechisch :καιρός ) ist ein altgriechisches Wort und bedeutet „der richtige, kritische oder günstige Moment“. [1] Im Neugriechischen bedeutet Kairos auch „Wetter“ oder „Zeit“

[@patrapoutrouli]

@@bienemaja3372 Charos (Χάρος, pronounced Háros) is definitely not the same word as kairos (καιρός, pronounced "kerós").

[@panaglaw]

Hi Farya, excellent work as always! May I offer an alternative translation of the second stanza, keeping closer to its meaning in Greek: «And all of them he drags along Bound on his horse's croup The wind of valour The morning star of beauty.» «Kαπούλια» (plural) is the upper rear part of the horse, as viewed from either of the sides, right behind the saddle and where the rider sits. Picture the image of Death (Charon) as the horseman and you will get it. Whereas, «Πούλια» is the folk traditional name of the brightest star in the constellation of the Pleiades. Thank you for this genial piece of composing and your homage to our Medieval Greek Akritic culture.

[@goshlike76]

Enchanting, mystical. Unfathomably genious.

[@gabrielorsini8534]

I´m from south America, I only speak spanish and english, but this song I can listen with my heart

[@yllejord]

What a delight to see someone outside of Greece discovering Digenis and his fight with Death on the marble threshing grounds. Palamas is fine and all - his epitaph is what I recited while I buried my beloved cat... but neither he nor the monk who wrote the Epic of Digenis nor anyone else can reach the unfathomeable heights of pure EPICNESS that are the original songs.

[@nikolaoskouvatsos9222]

Thank you for another masterpiece, Farya. As a Greek I feel particularly touched by your Byzantine/Greek songs. Keep up the good work my friend!

[@Roma_invicta]

I can't believe my eyes and ears ❤ second track about Digenis . How awesome is that . Farya you are god sende👏

[@oleksandrs1102]

Amazing song and music. It is so fascinating to touch this legend. The Bizantine legend about Digenis Akritis was known in the region of Ukrainian Galitsia region since 13th century.

[@bhnnad]

Oh my god I just noticed the Cretan accent you used for this song! Beautiful arrangement, μπράβο Φαργια ο Κρητηκός!

[@bennydubbz]

So Exhilarating!!! Farya Faraji Thank You for your Beautiful Ancient Traditional Multi Ethnic Songs. You are my new favorite artist!!! MUCH GRATITUDE!!!

[@julian1994ndreca]

Respect from Albania🇦🇱 ☦️☦️☦️☦️☦️🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷☦️☦️☦️☦️☦️☦️

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

Respect from Greece brother 🇬🇷❤🇦🇱

[@jonathanfrakes277]

@@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt Brother? Youre drunken?

[@patrickdilo7191]

Mor sojli edhe ti shqiptar ketu re Farya !!!!

[@Mbminas]

We are all brothers through our God Jesus Christ

[@orthochristos]

What is this wizardry again? You even nailed the Cretan accent to the tee. On another note, whenever I hear the Cretan lyra my blood starts pumping faster in my veins

[@pseudomonas03]

If it will ever the Saga of Digenis, become a movie, you should make the soundtrack! And with this song playing after the final Duel of Digenis, with Charon!!!

[@indrast5203]

Brother this song is increadible ,I really love Greek Music and have a soft spot for the music of Crete.

[@Σχολινακης]

i am from Crete

[@Rip_and_Tear1209]

As Greek Cypriot,i find this song a masterpiece.

[@FearTheNorth]

Stay strong Brothers. ENOCIC is near

[@louisn1368]

Half greek half Cypriot long live greece and Cyprus 🇨🇾🇬🇷

[@ydkaachillesa9353]

Great! Your interpretations truly bring back vibrant medieval Romaioi culture from the underneath of its heavy, gold-covered religious patina.

[@MasterofMankind]

Я русский, однако, очень люблю греческую культуру. Меня восхищает история о воителе, который, отказался подчинится самой смерти. А с вашим вокалом и музыкой - это просто нечто! Браво!

[@AlexandrosT1]

Привет, дорогой) А я грек, изучивший русский язык) Сегодня от тебя узнал слово воитель. Впервые увидел. Так что, очень рад твоему комментарию)

[@ВесёлаяПчела-ь6в]

Я осетинка, наполовину гречанка. Весь день слушаю греческие песни Фарьи. Знаете, как окунулась в мир моих предков. Люблю оба моих рода, уважаю каждый другой. Мира всем и добра.

[@SirBolsón]

POV: You're a soldier of Nikephoros II Phokas' army and you're heading straight for the Emirate of Crete!

[@paulsh2071]

Yup even in the epic of digenis akritas in some versions digenis himself fought in that war !

[@SirBolsón]

@@paulsh2071 Yooooooo! Didn't know that, thnx!

[@paulsh2071]

@@SirBolsón your very welcome!

[@SirBolsón]

@@paulsh2071 ☦️👍🏼

[@TalismanInsights-sc9kp]

This gives chills

[@pseudomonas03]

Congratulations!!! Incredible epic music for this epic poem of Kostis Palamas creating a true masterpiece!!! The Saga of Vasileios Digenis Akritas, is considered the beginning of the modern Greek traditional poetry. Inspired many different versions from every corner of the Greek world, from Pontos to Crete, and to Cyprus. And it also inspired many great Greek poets like Kostis Palamas.

[@Nick-zb4yg]

You really nailed Sgouros' singing style... Thank you for your art!

[@cloackedindark7981]

The last Roman General who achieved important victories and territory gains for bizandium much respect!

[@theshadowsagas3617]

Really like this one! Very interesting to see a Byzantine-era figure combined with characters from classical mythology in the lyrics!

[@Hypogeal-Foundation]

We use all of those terms to this day so it's not really that interesting.

[@ΒασίληςΒλάχος-τ3κ]

So now you not only look like a Cretan villager but you also sound like one. I love how much effort you put into your songs!

[@whiteknight2330]

Another Byzantine Miracle. Just keep them coming this is fire♥️

[@giannisnomikos4604]

I am a greek, I discovered your chanel three months ago and I have to say that you have a very good taste in music, also a very good accent.

[@someguysomeone3543]

Man i don't know how you do it and it drives me crazy how you almost always exceed expectations. Easily one of the best songs I've heard and probably the best medieval inspired tunes. Keep up the great work. The only way i could see this improved by having a part with the lyra and bagpipes playing at the same time.

[@Greedman456]

Υπέροχος, μπράβο. Φοβερή συνθεση

[@petulosanskrt1797]

👍👍 Neviem prečo,ale táto, pre mňa exotická hudba ,vlieva do mňa energiu. Aj keď pochádzam z úplne iného reggiónu. Som Slovák.

[@asterios7820]

Exceptional! Digenis was the last mythical hero. Strong as a god and weak as a human. Even his death was epic. Charon who just waves his reaper in other cases, was challenged to a battle. A battle not for victory but for legacy, the ultimate respect from the infinite generation that will follow.

[@ΑριστείδηςΣκόρδος]

Another amazing piece of art from you. I was missing a good Greek song for a while now. As a Greek myself I am SO glad that you created this piece of art. Especially today, I was in great need of this. Continue the amazing work and soothe the souls of people all over the world with your historical music from all the nations of our world!

[@YossarianVanDriver]

I love this! Spot-on choice of subject too, this kind of syncretism is pretty common in Byzantine literature and poetry--they freely referred to classical deities and used them as metaphors or characters, that par of their cultural history remained very much alive.

[@Pavlos_Charalambous]

Modern Greeks are also do this in poems or any other kind of writing that is , often without even realizing it 😊

[@theodore6288]

Awesome work this kind of work is rare even among greek artists so each artist that adds to this type of music is keeping a 1000 year old story alive

[@Luxfero1000]

Epic sound,when you face certain death and you can't seemingly get out of that,a miracle happens then, perfect!

[@JoshuaF.]

(learning Attic) `tis so satisfying when you can understand words and decode the words based on known grammar

[@dariogutierrez6716]

I honestly can't imagine how you find such talented people. The tsambouna (or tsampouna) here is majestic, incredible

[@gab8823]

YES ! That's what we want, epic Byzantine music ! Thanks ! 🇦🇱

[@00MSG]

Farya's Epic Byzantine music is ALWAYS epic.

[@eltarlantezos]

The "marble fields" is where Digenis fought the last battle against Death. According to some theories it resembles the ancient wrestling arenas.

[@_.J._.]

Even if I was among the first here to listen this masterpiece, every time I hear this it continues to be superb as if it is the first time, I created a strict bond with Greece and its history since I was a child, due to both my parents being archeologists at the time (also Rome and the middle age but that's another chapter), but only this Summer , at 19, I really felt all its weight when I was in Kérkira, I suddently understood everything, the values of the people, their simplicity, their way of thinking, and even if I am Italian so someone might think we have a lot in common that's not the case. It was an experience that opened me, and so does this song, because for me it includes everything I've experienced there and also its meaning is very dear to me. I think this is one of your best creations so far and I just hope you the best. Thank you !

[@yiorgis]

You have my respect. Great music.

[@Northy777.]

Loved this Farya, you are such an epic music man. i wish to hear more Byzantine music from you in the near future if not late age Catholic Viking music or Varangian music, those are personal favourites.❤

[@pr0t0k01]

1:05 belisarius flashbacks

[@silvervane01]

I discovered you, some days ago. And i was ready to ask you, to make music about the Poem of Digenis and Charontas .......My favorite Poem, when i was a kid......and then.....Thank you!!!! You brought tears in my eyes!!!!

[@kayshar3621]

this is beyond beautiful , extremely touching and masterfully composed. Kudos!

[@daspotato895]

This is such a nice video, the artwork, the font for the lyrics, the lyrics themselves (I know it's from a poem, but still), and of course the song itself. It all really works well together. Your editing is really nice. Though I can't speak from experience, it seems from the other comments that you've nailed the dialect which is also something worthy of praise, as you seem to do it in every regional piece you put out (Το μαργούδι and the Thracian dialect being the other piece that I can recall). Props to the other musicians who make these pieces with you as well, the instrumentation is lovely. All in all, another banger. Keep at it man :)

[@ChannelNotFound]

3:26 I can hear Belisarius wanting to break free

[@ΒασίληςΒλάχος-τ3κ]

Ok it wasn't just me, good

[@janstaniszewski536]

Ah βελισάριος, The favorite troller and gigachad of Romaboos.

[@pringlesnotman7016]

I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful music that you produce me and my friends listen to it all the time and keep it up.

[@ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΟΣΤΣΙΟΤΣΙΑΣ]

another epic byzantine masterpiece!

[@Euromantique]

Another Byzantine banger; you are a hero, Farya! Thank you for all you do.

[@miastupid7911]

That's an ikariotiki tsambouna sound. :) It has that element of playful wistfulness. Ikaria is as ancient as they come and akrites too. And yes, Farya, we still use Charos when speaking of death coming to take us.

[@javiercolina1502]

I knew I couldn't be the only one that would see that HAHAHAH Really reminds a lot to a Ikariotikos and other island dances

[@miastupid7911]

@@javiercolina1502 yeah. I could see myself doing the steps with those dancing en masse to the tune in Lagada. Ikariotikos tsabounistos though.

[@SakeBlossom]

You are fabulous, darling ❤

[@adaptivealph8052]

What a fantastic song! It encapsulates the shared myth of the hero who wears scars visibly and proudly. The hero who uncompromisingly accepts personal flaws and never virtue signals to gain political favor and public popularity. The hero in the calm period between storms foregoes power, but when society calls, the hero that shows up! For inspiration, please look up the Sinopian version of Digenis, aka Diogenes the Cynic, in parallel with the ancient Shang dynasty's oracle bones! A deep connection exists between the dog of Socrates and Xiao Yi, the son of Fu Hao and Wung Di.

[@as1panda991]

is it just me or is farya working super fucking fast, posting these absolute masterpieces back to back XD

[@franlopez-santos2586]

Farya did it again… amazing work!

[@stamatisvolanis8482]

Wake up honey, akritic song by farya faraji just dropped

[@RyanRyzzo]

A most welcome and becoming song, Farya!

[@matonkyna]

Is it the Tsambouna (I am not sure) but I have to admit: I can literally hear the sound of the two blades' strike, again and again, as not one strike of Charon's sword is to be left without an answer from Digenis's blade. And I swear, I can hear Digenis, this guardian of Humanity, this Christian Prometheus, addressing Charon with something like "know this, no matter how many times you kill me, I will never die". And all this thanks to the poem of a Greek and the music of an Iranian. What more could one ask for!

[@manoskarapidakis3025]

So happy to see how our Cretan music inspired you!

[@Kurufasulyepilav3743]

Really Nice , greetings from their neighbour 🇹🇷

[@Kevin-zl9rz]

I love your Music.For real, everything you do sounds great.Really awesome.Thank you

[@jyherapher1214]

Listening to this while playing as Justinian I in Crusader Kings 2. Fits atmosphere well. Good job!

[@asr20nl]

Beautiful once again. Please never stop!

[@ΠατούληςΦίλιππος]

Beautiful!!!🇬🇷

[@nicolelengauer7422]

I am already addicted! 😅 Great song as always! 😊

[@vladus8014]

This is *beautiful* , thanks Farya!

[@Nico_o7]

one of the best you have made !

[@javiercolina1502]

Reminds me a lot to, in general, the music for Ikariotikos or a specific Rhodian dance I can't remember the name. Certainly gorgeous as always man, I love that Cretan accent

[@HoH]

Beautiful

[@Μαρίαπ-μ8β]

Just sublime!Honored to listen to your take on epic musical pieces..

[@bodis1000]

ablosutely everything about this is perfect...

[@atrefre]

Great synthesis for Palama’s poem. I would like to hear it also in a slower tempo.

[@Bledi838]

This song is a Marvel.... Thank you for bringing this jewel into our days. ❤️❤️👍

[@lreinag]

Excelente. Gracias por compartir. Seguimos ...

[@perfidexld]

bro today 2 of my fav youtubers posted today?! must be a lucky day

[@easytriops5951]

Could you make a video on the differences in music across all the cultures ( from the north, the south, the west, the east ) you have created music of and, if possible, what can be derived about those cultures ( their characteristics, mindsets, beliefs, worldviews, etc. ) and of the people, from their music? I would find that fascinating!

[@palopas3659]

eftalofi is another name of consantinupolis, it comes from the greek : επτα - λόφοι = seven - hills. which shows the strategic loacation the city had because it was surounded by 7 hills

[@robertyianni3623]

Hey Farya, Thanks for all the work you do! It's an honour to have somebody who is not Greek appreciating our culture in such a way! It truly is epic. Very well done. Have you ever looked into Cypriot music? Some of the violin parts in this piece definitely remind me of it.