(ANSA-AFP) - ATHENS, SEP 2 - Renowned Greek composer Mikis
Theodorakis, who scored the 1964 classic "Zorba the Greek" and
was an icon of resistance to the former military junta, has died
in Athens aged 96, a hospital source said Thursday. A prolific
talent and political maverick, Theodorakis was adulated in his
home country for his inspirational music and defiance during the
junta that ruled from 1967-74. But he was perhaps best-known
around the world for his film title scores which also included
"Z" in 1969 and "Serpico" in 1973. His work ranged from operas
to choral music and popular songs, providing a soundtrack to the
life of his country. Born into a family of Cretan origin on July
29, 1925 on the northern Aegean island of Chios, Theodorakis
joined the resistance against the German and Italian occupation
of Greece when he was 17, during World War II. When a
dictatorship seized control of the government in a 1967 coup,
Theodorakis was among the first leftwing politicians to be
arrested. Pardoned a year later, he was involved in setting up
the clandestine Patriotic Front, which led to another detention
and a ban on his works. He was released in 1970 and went to
Paris. Four years later the dictatorship imploded and
Theodorakis returned home to a hero's welcome. (ANSA-AFP).
© Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved