ARTISAN'S WORKSHOP
Yannis Pantazis
Yannis Pantazis has been composing music and performing in Greece and internationally for over twenty years. In addition, he is a widely respected instrument artisan with a special interest in mythology and the role of music in Greece's past.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
In the artisan's workshop, Yannis makes a remarkable array of traditional instruments alongside instruments of his own design, inspired by mythology and the living musical traditions.. His instruments are designed to evoke a vivid sonic impression — a sound
experience that captures the spirit and essence of ancient music while remaining rooted in the continuity of folk tradition.
Tsabouna / Greek Bagpipe
The tsabouna is a Greek folk instrument constructed using goatskin, cane, and bone. It is a member of the extended bagpipe family and has been played for centuries on Santorini and surrounding Aegean islands. This century the tsabouna has begun to appear in new contexts, beyond the realm of rural tradition and folklore, and is gaining greater relevance and vitality in Greece and worldwide.
Doubaki / Cycladic Drum
The doubaki is a Greek folk percussion instrument constructed using goatskin and wood. It has been played for centuries on Santorini and surrounding Aegean islands.
Single Reed Pipe - Aulos
A single reed pipe or, in Greek, - monaulos (μόναυλος, from μόνος αυλος "single pipe").
Double Aulos- A Contemporary Interpretation
Inspired by the ancient Greek aulos and the rich traditions of Mediterranean reed instruments.
Crafted from Arundo donax cane sourced on Santorini, the instrument consists of two pipes, each fitted with its own separate, attached single reed. Played simultaneously, the pipes can produce a sustained drone accompanying a melody or create melodic interplay between the two voices.
The Double Syrinx
Reedless Double Pipe
The double syrinx consists of two cane pipes united. In ancient Greece, the term syrinx referred to any reedless pipe instrument — including the panpipes of the god Pan. This instrument is played without a reed; sound is produced by blowing across the open ends of the pipes.
This version masterfully bridges classical craftsmanship with modern innovation. The
distribution and sequence of the notes allow musicians to perform harmonies and
melodies in various musical modes, such as Aeolian, Mixolydian, Dorian, and Phrygian.
The double syrinx evokes the spirit and sound of the ancient pastoral instrument,
offering a breathy, natural timbre, rooted in the living musical traditions of the Mediterranean, allows me to offer an auditory experience of how the ancient pastoral instrument may have sounded.
Available Keys: Fm, Gm
Note: With appropriate fingering, the instrument can also play in major modes, expanding its expressive range and versatility.
Pentatonic Plagiaulos - Side Flute
A side-blown flute tuned in a Dorian pentatonic scale.
River Flute
The river flute is a rim-blown instrument, held vertically in front of the player. It features a
unique dual-chamber design: a slow air chamber collects the breath, which is then directed
by a block into a sound chamber, where a sound hole creates a steady, resonant tone. The
resulting sound is ethereal — somewhere between the clarity of a recorder and the breathy
openness of a side-blown flute. Played without the need for an embouchure, its tone
evokes the spirit of ancient reedless pipes (syrinx) and the pastoral landscapes of the
Mediterranean.
Syrinx/Pan Pipe
In classical Greek mythology, Syrinx /ˈsɪrɪŋks/ (Greek Σύριγξ) was a nymph and a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. Pursued by the amorous god Pan, she ran to a river's edge and asked for assistance from the river nymphs. In answer, she was transformed into hollow water reeds that made a haunting sound when the god's frustrated breath blew across them. Pan cut the reeds to fashion the first set of pan pipes, which were thenceforth known as syrinx. The word syringe is derived from this word.
Diatonic Plagiaulos - Side Flute
A side-blown flute tuned in a diatonic scale.