A Museum of Living Musical Tradition in Krousonas
The historic village of Krousonas is located just 17 kilometres from the city of Heraklion and is home to a space dedicated to the soul of Greek tradition: the THIRATHEΝ Museum. Its name, which in antiquity meant the knowledge derived ‘from the outside’ (worldly education), reflects the philosophy of a museum that opens its doors to the research, documentation, and the dissemination of musical heritage.
A Journey into the Allure of Sounds
Housed within a meticulously renovated traditional house, the museum offers visitors a journey through the timeless melodies of the Mediterranean. Its purpose is to introduce the public to the entirety of Greek traditional music, while also familiarising them with the instruments of neighbouring countries, highlighting the shared musical heritage of these cultures.
The Classification of Instruments
The musical instruments in the collection are classified according to the international E. von Hornbostel – C. Sachs system. Based on the vibration of the materials that produce the sound, the exhibits are divided into:
THIRATHEN functions as a living entity, open to collaborations with educational institutions. It implements specialised school programmes that include interactive guided tours, musical movement games and digital presentations. The aim is for new generations to engage with the rhythm and crafting of the instruments, ensuring that traditional music continues to enrich our cultural landscape.
A Journey into the Allure of Sounds
Housed within a meticulously renovated traditional house, the museum offers visitors a journey through the timeless melodies of the Mediterranean. Its purpose is to introduce the public to the entirety of Greek traditional music, while also familiarising them with the instruments of neighbouring countries, highlighting the shared musical heritage of these cultures.
The Classification of Instruments
The musical instruments in the collection are classified according to the international E. von Hornbostel – C. Sachs system. Based on the vibration of the materials that produce the sound, the exhibits are divided into:
- Aerophones: Instruments that use air (such as aulos double flute).
- Chordophones: Instruments with strings (such as the lyra three-string bowed instrument, and the laouto, a member of the lute family).
- Membranophones: Instruments with a stretched membrane (such as the daouli double-headed cylindrical drum).
- Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound from their own body (such as bells).
THIRATHEN functions as a living entity, open to collaborations with educational institutions. It implements specialised school programmes that include interactive guided tours, musical movement games and digital presentations. The aim is for new generations to engage with the rhythm and crafting of the instruments, ensuring that traditional music continues to enrich our cultural landscape.
