Tracking the Creative Process of Mikis Theodorakis’ Electra: An Approach to Philosophical, Esthetical and Musical Sources of his Opera

Taking into consideration Mikis Theodorakis' autobiography, personal notes, drafts and sketches, several scientific studies about his musical work and by means of an analytical approach of his score for Electra, it seems that tracking its creative process demands a holistic approach including various musical and extra musical parameters. For this reason the aim of this paper is to present an overview of these parameters such as: (a) aspects of the Pythagorean theory of the Universal Harmony which influenced the artist's worldview and musical creation; (b) the artistic impact of the ancient Greek tragedy and especially of the tragic Chorus on his musical activity; (c) his long term experience in stage music, and particularly music for ancient drama performances; (d) his music for M. Cacoyannis' movie Electra; (e) the use of musical material deriving from previous compositions of Theodorakis; and (f) the reference to musical elements originating from the Greek musical tradition.