Traditional Instruments and Their Story
Corfu is an island of music. Long before the age of modern tourism, the island echoed with melodies shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, local traditions, and strong community bonds. The musical history of Corfu is not only preserved in its bands and choirs but also lives on through the traditional instruments that gave voice to the island’s soul.
Let us take a journey through the unique sounds of Corfu, discovering the instruments that continue to tell its story.
Mandolino
One of the most iconic instruments in Corfiot music is the mandolino. This small, stringed instrument has roots in the Italian mandolin but evolved with a local character that reflects Corfu’s Venetian influence.
The mandolino is often used to accompany romantic songs known as kantades, which were traditionally sung by groups of men under balconies in the old town. The instrument’s soft, melodic sound is perfect for the lyrical beauty of these heartfelt serenades.
Even today, local festivals and gatherings often feature mandolino players, keeping this elegant tradition alive.
Bouzouki
Though more common in mainland Greece, the bouzouki found its way to Corfu and became part of the musical landscape, especially during the 20th century. Its deeper, richer tones added a new layer to the island’s music and influenced the local rebetiko and laiko genres.
Unlike the mandolino, the bouzouki brought a sense of passion and intensity to the music. In tavernas and informal gatherings, it often led the way in storytelling through song.
Violin
The violin holds a special place in the musical life of northern Corfu, especially in the Diapontian Islands and areas close to the mainland. With roots in both classical and folk traditions, the violin here is used not just for orchestras but for weddings, dances, and village feasts.
Often paired with the laouto, it plays the lead melody in local dance music. The sound of a solo violin echoing through a Corfiot village is a powerful reminder of the island’s emotional depth.
Laouto
The laouto, or Greek lute, is a key rhythm instrument in Corfu’s traditional music. It provides the base that allows violins or clarinets to sing on top. The laouto has four pairs of metal strings and is usually played with a pick.
Its bright tone brings life to dances and village celebrations. Played by skilled hands, the laouto becomes more than a rhythm keeper — it joins in the conversation of the music, answering and supporting the lead instrument.
Tambouras
This ancient Greek string instrument predates many others and has been preserved in some rural parts of Corfu. The tambouras is long-necked with two to three strings and was once popular for solo performances and religious songs.
Though not as common today, efforts have been made to revive its use through cultural associations and folk music schools. Its haunting sound reminds us of older, simpler times.
Corfiot Philharmonic Bands
Beyond individual instruments, Corfu is famous for its philharmonic bands large ensembles that blend brass, woodwind, and percussion in powerful performances. These bands are central to every major celebration on the island, from Easter processions to patriotic parades.
The instruments in these bands include clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, flutes, and drums, often combined with the energy of local marches and the emotional depth of symphonic pieces. This is not just music — it is a living symbol of Corfiot identity.
Kantades
Though not an instrument, kantades deserve mention as a musical form. These are melodic serenades that often feature mandolino, guitar, and light percussion. Born from a mix of Italian romanticism and Greek sentiment, kantades are poetic songs sung in the Ionian dialect.
They are still performed today in the alleyways of Corfu Town or during summer nights in coastal villages. The sound of a kantada rising under a moonlit balcony is one of the most unforgettable moments you can experience in Corfu.
Music as Memory
In Corfu, music is not just entertainment. It is memory. It is emotion. It is history passed through generations not by books but by sound. Each instrument carries a story. Each performance is a continuation of a living tradition.
The unique blend of Venetian, British, French, and Greek influences gave Corfu a musical identity unlike any other in the Mediterranean. From brass bands to ancient strings, from kantades to tsambouna, the island speaks and sings in many voices.
