Αλέξανδρος Δανδουλάκης – 'Chopin's Nocturnes': Chopin in a new form

The well-known guitarist presented his first personal record titled 'F. Chopin's Nocturnes'. The album is inspired by Chopin's Nocturnes and more, offering us a modern window into the composer's classical music. All of this, through Alex's eye and aesthetic.

A career built on significant studies and major collaborations

Interpreting classical works can never be considered easy. On the contrary, the technique and musical understanding required to grasp these pieces in the first place is quite substantial. Αλέξανδρος started out studying at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the Ε.Μ.Π., while also studying music at the Ωδείο Μουσικής Πράξης. Born and raised in Ηράκλειο, Crete, the musician graduated from the department of West London University (London College of Music) with the degree of Licentiate of Teacher's Diploma.

Over the course of his musical career he has collaborated with many artists, both Greek and foreign. Specifically, Αλέξανδρος Δανδουλάκης has collaborated with artists such as Bill Frisell, the Monophonics, the Alan Zavod (Frank Zappa & the Mothers), the Soul Jazz Orchestra, the Thievery Corporation, the Radio Moscow and many more!

A distinctive personal style

The Alex Dante has impressed with his ability to create personal work across many different musical styles, with the solo electric guitar approach being his favourite. He has taken part from time to time in many festivals, such as the 18^the Athens Jazz Festival of Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens in 2018, as well as the music segment Music escapades at Κέντρο Πολιτισμού Ίδρυμα Σταύρος Νιάρχος. He also took part in the festival ‘’Καζαντζάκεια'', in the thematic section traveling to Russia where he arranged works by Sergei Rachmaninoff and presented the solo project as part of TEDx στα Χανιά.

'F. Chopin's Nocturnes' is Alexandros' first personal album and was released in 2019. The record, which has the full title 'Alex Dante plays F.Chopin's Nocturnes', was released by Liberta Music on vinyl, CD and all digital platforms. The record is distributed by ΨΚΜ, by Syd Records, by Rock & Roll Circus, by Lofi concept – records, by Record House and by Yellow Box.

About the music

The record has a distinctive atmospheric sound. Alexandros' personal style stands out and the listener gets to enjoy the result of a multifaceted sound. In order to create volume in the sound, various guitar effects were used along with two amplifiers, which delivered their sound playing in stereo. The result is a massive soundscape, giving new possibilities to the solo guitar.

The atmospheric nature of the sound gives an entirely different feel. With the Nocturnes of Frederic Chopin, as its core, but also with works by Erik Satie, Sergei Rachmaninoff  and Wes Montgomerry, he has redefined his personal sound and raises questions about the existence, or not, of musical styles. And so, as the record's music floods the room, we find ourselves on a journey into the depths of the great Polish composer's music.

Credits

Photos by Dia Papadopoulou.

Alex Dante: A guitarist giving us musical promises for the future

From his very first album, Alexandros lays the foundations of a dynamic recording career. The starting point was the classical works of a great and historic composer. Through 'F. Chopin's Nocturnes', Alex offers us, on the one hand, an exceptional sound, and on the other, the work of a classical composer, difficult for many, presented with a modern take and in a form that draws everyone in. Awaiting Alexandros' next musical excursions, we for our part place him among the artists on our radar, and we're looking forward with great interest to his next works.