ATHENS, Greece — Mimis Presas, the popular Greek composer whose music has been featured in numerous films, television shows and theater productions, providing the soundtrack to the lives of millions of Greeks, is just shy of his 100th birthday. He died a week later.
His death was confirmed by his wife, Lucila Carrere, on Saturday. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to Mr Presas, saying: “A first-class composer, a great scholar and a kind person have left us.
Born in Athens on October 12, 1924, Plessas began his musical journey at an early age. He became a piano soloist on national radio and competed in international piano competitions in his 20s. His songwriting talent will cement his legacy.
Plessas became a constant presence on Greek television, and his gentle demeanor and song melodies were beloved by generations. Often seated at the piano to accompany some of Greece’s biggest stars, he has been an integral part of musical moments and celebrations for decades, and his music has become part of the country’s cultural fabric. It became connected. His 1969 work “O Dromos” (The Streets) remains one of the best-selling albums in Greek history.
He shaped the Greek musical landscape by collaborating with icons of Greek music such as Nana Mouskouri, Vicky Leandros, Giannis Propoulos, Marinella and lyricist Lefteris Papadopoulos. His work is genre-bending, fusing traditional Greek musical forms with elements of jazz and classical music, creating a distinctive sound that is softer and more pleasing to the ear than the hard jingling of much of his contemporaries. I did.
“His ‘Road’ was rich and full of melodies that started with jazz and permeated Greek songs and Greek films,” Mitsotakis said. “Mimis Plessas was a unique person, as unique as the moments he will forever give us in his music.”
Plessas’ contributions were not limited to composition. He produced the popular radio quiz show “In 30 Seconds” and served as a judge in numerous Greek and international music competitions. He was also a member of prestigious artistic organizations such as the Greek Society of Drama Writers and the Greek Society of Composers and Lyricists.
Plessas is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Funeral arrangements were not immediately known.
