The Greek National Opera presents recordings of rare works by Greek composers

Spyridon Samaras’ Operetta “War in War”

Operetta in three acts • World-first recording
Spyridon Samaras
War in War
Available on all digital platforms and on the GNO’s  YouTube channel

War in War, Spyridon Samaras’ first operetta, premiered on 10 April 1914 at the Municipal Theatre of Athens, marking not only the composer’s entry into the world of light music theater but, essentially, the birth of Greek operetta. During a period when the Greek music scene was seeking its own distinct bourgeois style, Samaras sought to combine his international experience with the demands of a broader audience. The recent discovery of its libretto in the Greek National Opera’s library and the critical revision of its musical material have allowed for a more complete representation of the work, which is being reintroduced today as a major record of early Greek operettas.

The story unfolds on the eve of a war in an imaginary land. At a hotel near the front, several military men, journalists, and secular figures gather. The arrival of the wealthy Croesus and his daughter, Lefki, ignites romantic and social plots. Lefki is in love with Lieutenant Hector and is called upon to defend her choice against various interests and intrigue. The title suggests a dual conflict: the true war and the heroes’ personal struggle. After a series of misunderstandings, disguises, and subversions, the victory on the front and the revelation of the plots lead to a happy ending.

Libretto: Georgios Tsokopoulos & Ioannis Delikaterinis
Dialogue adaptation: Dimitris Dimopoulos
Music score editing: Yannis Tselikas — Hellenic Music Centre

Lefki: Marilena Striftobola
Butterfly: Chrissa Maliamani
Andronice: Eleni Calenos
Erasmia: Margarita Syngeniotou
Hector: Yannis Christopoulos
Polydeuces: Christos Kechris
Bebes: Nicolas Maraziotis
Faraboutinis: Yannis Selitsaniotis
Katramados: Anthony Kordopatis
Kondaremos: Ioannis Kontellis
Croesus: Petros Magoulas
Sergeant: Dimitris Dimopoulos

Conductor: Zoi Tsokanou
ERT National Symphony Orchestra
ERT Chorus
Chorus Master: Michalis Papapetrou

Sound engineer, mixing, mastering (MD): N. Theodorakopoulos — Recording Dpt. of ERT Music Ensembles
Tonmeister: Y. Samprovalakis
Music Consultant: Chara Siorou

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