The latest Suss Müsik piece is based on the rhythms, voices and melodies of Pontic Greek folk music. Pontic Greeks (or Pontians) traditionally lived on the shores of the Black Sea, later migrating to the Russian province of Georgia during the 15th century as the Ottoman Empire grew in power. Today, the Pontians’ cultural influence can be felt in parts of modern-day Greece and northeastern Turkey.
Pontic music is, in part, a reflection of the regional topography in which people lived. The mountains and rivers impeded communication between communities, reflecting a sense of isolation commonly experienced by fringe cultures. The haunting melodies, combined with a strong rhythmic structure, results in a fascinating musical dichotomy that is both celebration and lament.
The title is a Pontic word meaning “to break things apart.”