Image Number

Date Note

Rights

Collection

Geographic Term

Subject Term

Personal Subjects

Corporate Subject

Physical Description

General Note

Today playing the tsabouna, sometimes spelled tsambouna or tzamboura, is a vanishing art, even in Greece. It is believed that the instrument was developed by herdsmen to pass time while tending sheep and goats. Tsabouna music is played in rhythmic patterns unlike the two, three, and four beat music to which most Americans are accustomed. It is dance music and nearly every tune has a song associated with it. Often the lyrics are improvised spontaneously. The repertoire of tunes, playing style and melodic ornamentation vary from one Greek island to the next.

Tsimouris learned to play the tsabouna, an ancient Greek bagpipe, while growing up on the island of Kalymnos. He was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in recognition of his ability to make the goatskin instrument and for his continued performances at social functions in Tarpon Springs.