The Greek people of Smyrna were a people who placed tremendous importance upon their families, especially being protective of their wives, and female children. The virtue of the Greek women of Smyrna was something which was much cherished, and continues to be discussed to this day. The song Barba Giannakaki (ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑΓΙΑΝΝΑΚΑΚΗΣ) is notable for a number of reasons. This rousing song is an examination of two men, who each seek something different from the song's heroine, Marikaki.
Marikaki's father, Barba Giannakaki, is a man who is fiercely protective of his daughter, and sees his daughter's prospective husband as a threat to both his daughter's, and his own, welfare. He doles out threats to him, saying in no uncertain terms that he does not deserve his daughter. On the other hand, Marikaki's beau, while not as openly hostile as his prospective father-in-law, is not himself totally scrupulous; even though he seems to love her, it is implied that his intentions may not be totally honourable, as he has his eye on Marikaki's dowry. The song is an entertaining tug of war between the two men, each putting their side of the matter to the listener, but a situation which is largely without a resolution of any sort. It allows the listener to make up their own minds as to the validity of each man's claim, and presents both sides with equal aplomb.
The song is brilliantly brought to life by the famous Greek singer Haris Alexiou, herself of Greek Smyrna family origin. It is so vividly sung that the listener forgets their current time and place, and becomes immersed in a world much different to now, but which also seems very modern. The song deals beautifully with the universal themes of family and relationships which were a hallmark of Greek Smyrna music, and with an earthy, realistic, but very sympathetic edge to its characters.
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