from Oannes * tribute to our Anniversary of the “No”

Today we celebrate the Anniversary of the “No”, in Greece, commemorating the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum^✻ made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940, the Hellenic counterattack against the invading Italian forces at the mountains of Pindus during the Greco-Italian War, and the Greek Resistance during the Axis occupation.

^✻ This ultimatum, which was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador to Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, shortly after 03:00 am on 28 October 1940, demanded Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified “strategic locations” or otherwise face war. It was allegedly answered with a single laconic word: όχι (No!). However, his actual reply was, “Alors, c’est la guerre!” (Then it is war!).

Θα ακούσουμε μουσική που γράφτηκε / κυκλοφόρησε την αποφράδα χρονιά του 1940, αρχής γενομένης με τον μέγιστο των Ελλήνων τραγουδοποιών, Βασίλη Τσιτσάνη.
“Δώδεκα Η Ώρα”, με τη φωνή του Στράτου Παγιουμτζή.

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We will hear some some music written / released on the year of the Italian invasion of Greece, 1940. Starting with the greatest of the Greek songwriters, Vassilis Tsitsanis.
“Twelve O’ Clock”, performed by Stratos Payoumtzis.

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Enjoy!

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As always, I’m happy to hear your thoughts, however I’d highly recommend a direct dialogue with the …’source’ [why comments are closed here], so please visit Oannes’ page where you can also listen to the song !

More about these reblogs

* For my friends who didn’t know, or first timers here, Oannes [aka Socratis Papahatzis] is my husband, partner in life and music and the one with my undying admiration. Together we have a band MK-O [the music of Marina Kanavaki & Oannes]. So, it’s my pleasure to share with you his [and sometimes mine] musical selections. • Do visit his site. He has my highest recommendation!