Kairos Collective – Ariadne (Kairos Collective, 2024)
The Ariadne EP by contemporary modal ensemble Kairos Collective, released in 2024, is a captivating selection of live tracks recorded at the influential Labyrinth Musical Workshop in Houdétsi, Crete. Named after the mythological labyrinth of King Minos, where the Minotaur resided, the album reclaims the narrative of Ariadne, the unsung heroine of the tale.
This musical offering breathes new life into the workshop’s garden setting, merging the traditional with the contemporary, as well as the lovely interplay of Eastern and Western elements. With five tracks previously featured on Európe and Erato and two new compositions, Ariadne captures the scintillating energy of a live performance while enriching the studio versions with depth and immediacy.
Track Highlights:
Hebros / Hüseynî Karşılama. First Release: Európe (2019). Composer: Michiel van der Meulen. Inspired by the Maritsa River (Hebros in Greek), this piece bridges Eastern modality with Western harmony, reflecting the historical and cultural confluence of the Thrace region.
Barbanera / Nihâvend Evfer. First Release: Európe (2019). Composer: Michiel van der Meulen. A nod to the Iberian Peninsula’s amalgalm of musical traditions and the infamous Ottoman admiral and pirate Barbarossa (Red Beard). The track playfully intertwines historical motifs and personal homage.
Propontis / Phrygian Metal. Mode: Phrygian. Drawing on influences from Cretan sousta rhythms and Crimean Tatar melodies, this track evokes the historical crossroads of the Sea of Marmara.
Kilim / Janino. First Release: Erato (2022). Composer: Michiel van der Meulen. The intricate 18/16 rhythm mirrors the rich patterns of a Middle Eastern rug, intertwining Balkan dance influences with melodic syncopation.
The Rose and the Nightingale / Phrygian Phantasy. Mode: Phrygian. A poetic exploration of Eastern metaphors, contrasting the fragrant beauty of the rose with the nightingale’s anguished devotion, culminating in a serene resolution.
Nazar / Hüseynî Mandıra. Mode: Folkloristic Hüseynî. This piece commemorates personal loss and resilience through a Thracian dance rhythm, symbolizing the protective charm of the nazar against life’s fragility.
Manastırka / Poustséno / Pušteno. First Release: Európe (2019). Composer: Michiel van der Meulen. An ode to a possibly mythical Macedonian melody, this track is a rhythmic celebration of cultural memory and unity.A Mythical Reimagining
The Ariadne EP blends historical narratives, mythological inspiration, and musical innovation to create a rich auditory experience. By drawing on diverse traditions and the vibrant interplay of Eastern and Western elements, Kairos Collective delivers an album that feels both timeless and profoundly contemporary.
Musicians Christos Barbas on ney, kaval; Giorgos Papaioannou on violin; Nikos Papaioannou on cello; Michiel van der Meulen on tambura; Taxiarchis Georgoulis on oud; Pavlos Spyropoulos on double bass; and Sergios Voulgaris on bendir and kudüm.
Author: Madison Quinn
