The Theory of Rebetiko: From the Makams of Asia Minor to the Dromi of Piraeus

Carmelo Siciliano’s Theory of Rebetiko presents a comprehensive exploration of the Greek modal system as it relates to the repertoire commonly known as rebetiko. The book offers a clear and coherent framework, both for newcomers to this genre of Greek music and for those familiar with other modal traditions, such as the Ottoman makam or Byzantine music.

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Print length: 282 pages
Language: English
Publication date: 25 Mar. 2025
Dimensions: 21.59 x 1.63 x 27.94 cm
ISBN-13: 978-8894415766

The Theory of Rebetiko: From the Makams of Asia Minor to the Dromi of Piraeus

Carmelo Siciliano’s Theory of Rebetiko presents a comprehensive exploration of the Greek modal system as it relates to the repertoire commonly known as rebetiko. The book offers a clear and coherent framework, both for newcomers to this genre of Greek music and for those familiar with other modal traditions, such as the Ottoman makam or Byzantine music. The volume includes:

• 41 modes and dromi: Araban, Begiati, Bestenigkiar, Bouselik, Chisar Bouselik, Chitzaz, Chitzazkiar, Choumagioun, Choumagioun Chitzaz, Chouseini, Chouzam, Dougkiach, Evits, Gkerdanie, Kartsigiar, Kiotzek, Kiourdi, Machour, Mouchagier, Mouchagier Chitzaz, Mouchagier Kiourdi, Moustear, Neveser, Nichavent, Nikriz, Ousak, Ouzal, Petzgkiach, Pireotiko, Rast, Rechavi, Saba, Sazkiar, Sechnaz, Sechnaz Bouselik, Segkiach, Souznak, Tsargkiach, Zavil, Zirgkiouleli Chitzaz, Zirgkiouleli Souznak;
• 166 musical examples representative of the repertoire, selected from the works of the most prominent composers, such as Grigoris Asikis, Giorgos Batis, Anestis Delias, Antonis Diamantidis, Iakovos Montanaris, Dimitris Semsis, Kostas Skarvelis, Panagiotis Tountas, Markos Vamvakaris and more; each example is transcribed on the staff using either microtonal or equal-tempered notation and is accompanied by information about the composer, singer, recording, rhythm employed, and modal analysis;
• QR codes that provide direct links for listening to the musical examples on your smartphone or tablet.

About the Author
Carmelo Siciliano was born in Catania, Italy, in 1980. For years, he has devoted himself to studying, researching, and promoting his lifelong passion: the traditional culture of Greece. A musician, educator, and cultural music disseminator, he is the founder and president of the Filellenia Cultural Association—Center for Studies, Documentation, and Education on Greek Music, Dance, and Traditions. He is also the author of several works, including: Listening to Greece: A Journey Through Music and Traditions (2019); The Greek Songs of Niccolò Tommaseo: Musical Parallels in Contemporary Greece (2021); Songs of Greece: With Greek Text, Translation, and Notes (2022); The Theory of Rebetiko: From the Makams of Asia Minor to the Dromi of Piraeus (2025).