About the creation

SUITE ON GREEK THEMES for piano is Salmon's most popular and most performed work in its present version and in its original form as a SYMPHONIC SUITE ON GREEK THEMES. It was written in 1943 and is based on a collection of Greek folksongs and dances. There also exists a version for two pianos, which has been released on a Hed-Artzi commercial recording, performed by the Israeli duo pianists, Bracha Eden and Alexander Tamir. The Suite consists of four movements: "Syrtos Thrakikos" - a slow "dragging" dance; Theme and Variations; "The Lemon Tree: and a finale - "Horra Hellenic" - in which Greek and Jewish elements intermingle. At the end the themes appear simultaneously. The Suite on Greek Themes for piano was first performed in the U.S.A. by Amiram Rigai. Its original version was first performed in Israel in 1943 by the Kol Israel Orchestra conducted by the composer.