17SongsFrontIntroduction

Maria Farantouri (28th of November 1947) is a popular Greek singer, mostly known for her powerful contralto voice. At the age of 16 she was discovered by renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, who instantly recognized her talent and became her mentor during the first part of her career. Their partnership resulted in numerous performances and recordings that brought Greek poetry and music to audiences worldwide, with notable performances in Europe, America and Russia. Apart from singing with Theodorakis, Maria Farantouri also worked with many other famous composers such as Manos Hatzidakis, Eleni Karaindrou, Manos Loizos, Lena Platonos and... Vangelis.

In 1989 Farantouri was elected as a member of Greek Parliament, representing the Panhellenic Socialist Movement, where she worked with Melina Mercouri on cultural issues. That didn’t stop her from singing, and in 1990 she worked with Cuban composer Leo Brouwer on the album “17 Songs”, featuring a collection of international songs to which Vangelis contributed three songs.

In the liner notes of the album Maria wrote: ‘This collaboration with Leo Brouwer is now one of my most precious experiences on my artistic journey so far. Another new significant collaboration was with Vangelis Papathanassiou, who composed and orchestrated three songs specifically for this album and realized them musically in his own unique way. I am very grateful to him for that. Vangelis has dedicated his life to music. He is a friend with whom it is a pleasure to work. I also thank Michalis Bourboulis, who brought Vangelis’ songs to life with his lyrics.’

While Maria Farantouri recorded the songs for her album with Leo Brouwer in Sierra Studio in Athens, the songs with Vangelis were recorded in the nearby Sound Studio, where Vangelis had set up his instruments at the time.

In 2026 Maria Farantouri is still active and performing at venues in Greece and Europe.

 

17SongsTracklistTracklist and credits

  1. Tora Xero
  2. San Elektra
  3. Odi A
  • Music composed by Vangelis.
  • Lyrics by Michalis Bourboulis.
  • Sound engineer: Nikos Despotidis.

 

Discography

CD

  • 1990 Minos MCD 906/7 Greece
  • 1990 Tropical Music 68.950 Gemany

LP

  • 1990 Minos MSM 906/907 Greece (2LP)

 

Recording studio

The three songs of Vangelis and Maria Farantouri were recorded at Sound Studio Athens by engineer Nikos Despotidis.

 

Links

MariaFarantouriAndVangelisMaria Farantouri and Vangelis