90 years (1925-2015)

Composer Mikis Theodorakis is a Greek national institution, best known overseas for his soundtracks to Zorba the Greek and Serpico. Greeks revere him for his 60s and 70s orchestral settings of the great poets and lyricists Ritsos, Seferis, Elytis and Gatsos. Theodorakis turns 90 this year; hence this commemorative set. But since HMV/EMI Greece have already produced handsome reissues of many of his masterpieces, plus a ten-disc retrospective (Anniversary) last December, any subsequent attempt begs the question of whether it's strictly necessary.

The first CD comprises eminently disposable soundtrack instrumentals, swollen with synths. ‘Sta Perivolia’ dishonours the sung versions by Marinella or Bithikotsis, ignoring the fusion of melody, instrumentation, cadence and poetry that distinguishes Theodorakis’ best work. The second CD bizarrely features three Italian-language songs by the Italian actress and singer Scarica Milva. The third CD begins promisingly, as Theodorakis sings his own settings of poet Tassos Leivaditis, but then deteriorates via excessive reverb and inferior covers before three welcome renditions by Maria Farantouri (otherwise unavailable) from 18 Lianotragouda (settings of Ritsos poems). The final disc includes most of Romiosyni (more Ritsos settings) in concert, which presents Theodorakis singing affectingly and playing piano.

Overall, the sound quality is acceptable but the vestigial liner notes (with no track credits) are inexcusable. Best buy the HMV/EMI remasters, all of which are still available.