Manolis Lidakis sings the song Aretousa, a modern song which is influenced from a traditional poem – song from Crete.
Aretousa is a Greek name, referring to a woman with great virtues and beauty. The song Aretousa refers to the homonym heroine of the poem “Erotokritos and Aretousa” by Vitsentzos Kornaros, a famous Cretan poet. It’s the story of a doomed love and the names of the couple have stayed as a symbol of love and tenderness.
The song Aretousa borrows bits and pieces or images from Kornaros’ poem; the balcony of the lovers, the woman with the long red hair, the moon and the stars that show the way to the lovers. It is a very tender song, communicating love and passion, a quest for the sentiment that gives a meaning to our lives. The selection of the lyrics, the poetic images and words are what make the song so special.
The song Aretousa is written by Alkinoos Ioannidis – who has also sung the song after Lidakis – and composed by Giannis Spathas.