Biography Spyridon Samaras



initial page of olympic hymn, 1896 summer olympics.


samaras became important figure in opera scene in italy. opera flora mirabilis première in milan in 1886 , in 1888 medgé staged @ teatro costanzi in rome french opera star emma calvé in title role. samaras became closely associated edoardo sonzogno, milanese publisher. sonzogno founded teatro lirico internazionale , chose samaras la martire theater s opening on 22 september 1894. opera had premiered year in naples , based on libretto luigi illica many naturalistic elements, gave space samaras musical personality equal treatment.


samaras works enjoyed wide distribution; operas staged in paris, monte carlo, cologne, berlin, vienna, malta, bucharest, constantinople, smyrna, alexandria, cairo, , of course greece , italy. wrote fifteen stage works, last 3 on texts paul milliet; storia d amore o la biondinetta (1903), mademoiselle de belle-isle (1905) , rhea (1908). returned greece in 1911, thinking appointed director of athens conservatoire. not, partly because of national school controversy. supported himself composing operettas aiming @ satisfying variety of audiences, rather continuing in usual creative vein. last opera, tigra, although started time , containing of best music, never finished.


samaras known composing olympic anthem, on lyrics kostis palamas. anthem first performed during opening ceremony of 1896 summer olympics, first modern olympic games. declared official anthem of olympic movement international olympic committee in 1958 , has been used @ every opening ceremony since 1960 winter olympics.


samaras died, aged 55, in athens.







Comments