Emilios Riadis

Full biography Emilios Riadis

Emilios Riadis (also known as Khu) was a Greek composer of art music, born on November 18, 1880, in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is considered one of the creators of modern Greek music and is known for his use of traditional Greek folk music in his compositions. Riadis received his education in Greece and later traveled to France, where he studied under Vincent d'Indy and Joseph-Guy Ropartz at the Schola Cantorum in Paris.

Riadis's works span a range of genres, including operas, ballets, symphonic music, chamber music, and choral music. He composed in both traditional and modern styles, combining elements of Western classical music with traditional Greek music, as well as incorporating elements of Byzantine music.

One of Riadis's most significant works is "Hommage a Ravel," a tryptich he composed as a tribute to French composer Maurice Ravel, which includes "Pasacaille Fantasque," "Intermezzo," and "Toccata." He is also known for his opera "Galateia," which remains unfinished but is considered a significant contribution to the development of modern Greek opera.

Riadis was an influential figure in the Greek music scene, and his music was performed widely in Greece and abroad. He passed away on August 5, 1935, in Athens, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prominent Greek classical composers of the 20th century.