Lesson: Cretan tune (Sigano/Slow Pentozali)

[@macredsand2003]

As part-Cretan, I can tell you that a "Mantinada" is a simple, usually makeshift poem with 16 syllables and rhymes. The tune you played reminds me of sigano (slow) pentozali (a kind of dance), based on the video link in the description (Guess it is called "mantinades" because it obviously has mantinadas on it. Fun fact: Most basic tunes on the Cretan lyra are called "kontylies'.

[@kemenchebasics]

I appreciate your explanation. I have a link to the tune in the description of the video if you'd like to hear it. I assumed it might be similar to what Pontic Greeks call an "epitrapezio" which is a non-dance tune with improvised lyrics.

[@kemenchebasics]

Just read your edited comment, thanks. I've always wanted to learn a pentozali.

[@macredsand2003]

@@kemenchebasics Yes, Pentozali is a great dance to learn. Some people think that it is a descendant of the ancient Pyrrichios, just like the Sera. And since both dances are associated with war, this is also the case with pentozali. There's also a popular mantinada that says "Όποιος δεν ξερει και του πουν, το νου του πιάνει ζάλη, πως στα Σφακιά τον πόλεμο τον κάνουν πεντοζάλη" (lit. translated: Whoever does not, their brain gets crazy that in Sfakia they turn war into pentozali"

[@macredsand2003]

@@kemenchebasics Update: I showed the tune to my Cretan grandmother and she confirmed it is Sigano Pentozali. It is a variant of Pentozali with a slower pace and is generally easier to dance.

[@kemenchebasics]

@@macredsand2003 Excellent. Thanks for asking. I will change the title in that case.

[@CHIOTIS1821]

Have you heard the song Tinos einai i koupa? Its another Cretan song, would be cool if you could do a lesson on that

[@kemenchebasics]

Hi, I haven't heard it but I think it's possible. Let me try and play it first and I'll get back to you.

[@kemenchebasics]

Hi there, here's the lesson on Tinos eine ei koupa. I hope it helps and apologies for the rant at the start :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJiufaaHmK5gY8U