Dimitri Fampas facts for kids

Dimitri Fampas (Δημήτρης Φάμπας) was a famous Greek classical guitarist and composer. He was born on December 22, 1921, and passed away on May 3, 1996. He is known for his beautiful guitar music and for teaching many talented musicians.

Life and Career of Dimitri Fampas

Early Life and Education

Dimitri Fampas was born in Milina. This is a small village in Greece, near Mount Pelion. As a child, he loved music. He played traditional Greek instruments like the lute and mandolin.

In 1939, he moved to Athens to study music. He learned advanced music theory. He also studied how to write music with different parts (called counterpoint). He went to the Athens Conservatory. By 1953, he earned a special diploma in classical guitar. He got it with "cum laude," which means "with honors." This showed he was a very good student.

Studying with Master Guitarists

Dimitri Fampas received a scholarship in 1955 and 1956. This allowed him to study guitar in Italy. He learned from two of the most famous guitarists ever: Andrés Segovia and Emilio Pujol. He studied at the Academia Chigianna in Siena.

In 1959, he studied with Segovia again. This time, it was in Spain. Segovia himself gave Fampas a scholarship. This shows how much Segovia believed in his talent.

A Global Performer

Dimitri Fampas had a long career. It lasted for almost 40 years. He performed hundreds of concerts all over the world. He played in many countries. These included England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. He also performed in major cities across Greece. He even played at the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

He recorded important guitar concertos. A concerto is a piece of music for a solo instrument and an orchestra. He was the first to record a special concerto by Carlo Pizzini. He often played live on TV in Greece, Spain, and the US.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Dimitri Fampas was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the National Conservatory of Athens. Thousands of guitarists learned from him. Many of his students became very successful. They won 38 prizes in international guitar competitions. Some of his well-known students include Evangelos Assimakopoulos and Liza Zoe, Eleftheria Kotzia, and Kostas Grigoreas.

Fampas also started two guitar orchestras. One was for young players. The other was for advanced guitarists. They performed many concerts in Greece. He also helped judge international guitar competitions. He gave special classes and talks at music festivals. He even lectured about the history of the classical guitar on the radio and TV.

Leadership in Music

Dimitri Fampas was a leader in the music world. He was president of the Union of Conservatory Professors of Greece. He was also a member of the Greek Composers' Union. His life and work are mentioned in many important books. These include international "Who's Who" guides. They also include music history books in Japan, England, and other countries.

The Music of Dimitri Fampas

Compositions and Style

Dimitri Fampas wrote over 200 pieces of music. These included solos, studies, and dances for the guitar. His compositions became very popular. They are now a standard part of guitar music. His music is often romantic and lyrical. It uses many Greek traditional sounds and rhythms. His compositions show his deep love for the guitar and his home country.

His music has been published by famous companies. These include Ricordi, Max Eschig, and Mel Bay.

Film and Theatre Music

Dimitri Fampas also recorded music for movies and plays. He worked with famous Greek composers. These included Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis. In the 1960s and early 1970s, he was a soloist for many film and theatre projects. He was the first Greek classical guitarist to perform and record music for plays.

Dimitri Fampas's Legacy

Awards and Recognition

Dimitri Fampas received many awards. He was honored for his contributions to music and society. Cultural groups and music clubs gave him medals. Greek national TV also featured him. They broadcast a special interview about his life and work.

Preserving His Work

The Guitar Friends Association Dimitri Fampas was founded in 1999. It is a non-profit group. It works to keep Dimitri Fampas's music alive. It also helps new talented artists. The group promotes Greek guitar music.

In 2006, Dimitri Fampas's archives were given to the Benaki Museum in Athens. These archives include his original music. They also have his lectures, concert programs, and old photos. This helps people learn more about his amazing life and career.

Compositions by Dimitri Fampas

Guitar Solo Pieces

• "Triplet Memory To Emilio Pujol"
• "Reverie"
• "Valsa de Brasilia to Ronoel Simoes" (1st Version)
• "Vals" (revised)
• "Danse Syrtos"
• "Danse Ballos"
• "A Heart-Felt Conversation", to Andrés Segovia for his 90th birthday
• "Suite No. 3, sur une forme ancienne"
• "Prelude-Bourrée-Allemande-Aria Mélancolique-Loure 1 & 2"
• "Jeux d'enfants" (Kavatina No 1)
• "Conte" (Kavatina No. 1)
• "Poeme" (Kavatina No. 10) to Notis Mavroudis
• "Danse imaginaire" (Kavatina No 1) to Liza Zoi
• "Karagouna", Greek dance
• "Vlacha", Greek dance
• Greek Dance "Sousta" (2 versions)
• "Vision"
• "The Country of Centaurs" (Greek Suite)
• "Tsamikos Dance" (Greek Suite)
• "Ravines" (Greek Suite)
• "Syrtaki Dance" (Greek Suite)
• "Boléro"
• "March of Spain"
• "Suite No. 2 for a Beloved Family" (to Jeni, to Eva, to Evangelos)
• "Admiration" (Kavatina No. 2)
• "Little Waltz" (Kavatina No. 2)
• "Sensations" (Kavatina No. 2)
• 24 Concert Studies (1–12 to Ida Presti / 13–24 to Andrés Segovia)
• 23 Melodies for Children and Young Guitarists ("A Dream", "Guahira Danse", "Tsamikos Dance", "For Eva", "Milina", "Varcarola", "Prelude", "Petit Vals", are included)
• "Romantza"
• "Greek Song"
• "Evgenoula", Theme with Variations
• 9 Sentimental Preludes
• Sentimental Suite (6 songs dedicated to his fiancée)
• Melodies for Young Guitarists, 2nd Collection ("Minuet", "Tender Moments", "The Girl in Green", "The Phone-Call", "Song without Words No. 1 & 2", "A Waltz for a Great Woman", others)
• "A Lafkos' Faire"
• "Segovia's Portrait"
• "The Windsong"

Guitar Duo Pieces

• "Fantasy"
• "Greek Dance of Corfou"
• "Greek Song of Thessaly"
• "Danse Ballos"
• "Petit Vals"

Guitar Ensemble Pieces

• "Greek Fiesta for 3 Guitars" (A Fair of Pilion)
• "Tzeni Variations for 3 Guitars" (Suite for a Beloved Family)
• "The Layiarni" (Variations on the Traditional Greek Song) for Voice and Guitar Orchestra
• "Ode to Peace for Voice and 3 Guitars", based on the poem 'Peace' by J. Ritsos
• "Songs for Voice and Guitar", lyrics by L. Raftopoulos & B. Spilios