Eptanisa is the name of the cluster of seven islands located in the Ionian Sea which separates Greece from Italy. The largest of these islands are Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos and Lefkas. The Ionian Islands are a cultural islet in Greece with several special features. What distinguishes the Ionian Islands from the rest of Greece is that, with the exception of Lefkas, they did not form part of the Ottoman Empire, while the rest of the Greek world was under the Ottoman rule for anything between two hundred and five hundred years64.
For four centuries (1386-1797), the Ionian Islands were under Venetian rule, then they were in possession of the French (1797-1814), the British (1814-1864) until its consignment to Greece in May 1864. Thus, after four hundred years of Venetian occupation, it was normal, not only to learn but also to accept the influence of the musical culture of Italy, to develop Words Western Music before the Greek Liberation; and become the cradle of subsequent Western music in Greece.
Like that, the Italian influence on the musical life of the Ionian Islands is obvious and intense. The Ionian Islands have been in contact with the artistic – classical music of the West and the musical style developed, even in popular music, largely in western harmony rules. The proximity of the islands to Italy facilitated the young Ionians to study systematically classical music in Italy and to be in contact with the music of the West. Initially, the Italian music had a significant effect on the Ionian music.
The music of the Heptanese is the folk music of the geographic and historical region of the Ionian Islands. It is based on the Western European style. It is dominated the use of guitars and mandolins, while the kantades65 are very popular. Mandolin is considered as one of the most traditional instruments of these islands. There are numerous mandolin orchestras in every island as well as many ensembles not necessarily mandolin orchestras, that use the mandolin. Logically, as the Italians brought many things to the arts industry, the love for the mandolin was also passed on. Besides this, many musicians from the islands had the opportunity to go to study music in Italy. Tens of orchestras, theatre groups and soloists from Italy performed annual concerts in the Ionian Islands. This lead to the conclusion that the mandolin came to the Ionian Islands by the Italians and chronologically probably during the period of Venetian domination in Greece. Of course, there are different works and tradition with the instrument on each island. The most intensely observed mandolin orchestras in Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
Elina & Maria Markatatou 