Spyridon Xyndas

Full biography Spyridon Xyndas

Spyridon Xyndas (1812-1896) was a Greek composer and musician who is widely regarded as the founder of modern Greek classical music. Born in the Peloponnese region of Greece, Xyndas began his music studies at a young age, and eventually traveled to Italy to further his education.

While in Italy, Xyndas became heavily influenced by the works of Italian operas and composers such as Rossini and Donizetti, and went on to incorporate elements of these styles into his own compositions. In 1840, Xyndas returned to Greece and began composing works that blended Greek folk music with European classical music.

One of Xyndas's most notable works is his opera "O ypopsifios" ("The Parliamentary Candidate"), which was the first opera composed in modern Greek. The opera, which premiered in Athens in 1867, tells the story of a candidate running for parliament who is torn between his political ambitions and his love for a woman from a lower social standing.

In addition to his opera work, Xyndas also composed a number of chamber music pieces, including string quartets and sonatas, and also wrote works for the guitar, a particularly popular instrument in Greece during his time.

Overall, Spyridon Xyndas's contributions to Greek classical music helped pave the way for future generations of musicians and composers in Greece, and his blending of Greek folk music with European classical styles helped create a uniquely Greek sound that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.