This is a collection of tracks that fall into my interest of Greco Roman history, the Roman Empire (especially the eastern part, once governed from Constantinople). Not politically felt or derived, these works of my inspiration call on nostalgia that I have not ever lived, yet feel at a distance, from within. 

Share if you like and would 

JK

CONSTANTINOPLE

This composition was inspired from research made on the Eastern Roman Empire. Specifically the events leading to and the fall and sacking of Constantinople in 1204 by Latin Knight members of the 4th Crusade who diverted thier holy crusade on invite to meddle in Constantinople's "Byzantine" politics by a young and foolish prince. Although sworn by oath having taken the cross to journey to the 'Holy Land' with the reconquest of Jerusalem as its goal, if not eventual - the opportunity for treachery (and elements of revenge: See Doge Dandalo) were too ripe to resist and taking advantage of 30-40 years of political instability, the Crusaders sacked, raped and pillaged the "Queen of Cities" for 3 full days before the overthrowing Latin contingent instilled order and went about establishing their short lived Latin Empire. Although eventually restored - the Eastern Roman Empire NEVER recovered. It was one of, if not the most horrific sackings, pillagings, rapings and complete plunder of a city by fellow Christians in history - to this day. The story is not limited to this event however, its roots can be found in the tax breaks/reforms put in place 50 some odd years before by the last of the first 3 great Komnenoi Emperors to reign, Manuel Komnenos. Starting in the High Middle Ages, decendants of previous dynasties, the Komnenoi were a noble family of the Eastern Roman Empire having contributed many Emperors serving not only from the Empires glorious capital anchored in Constantinople(modern day Istanbul), but also contributing reigning Emperors from off shoot Empires(rump states) such as the Empire of Trebizond (See the Grand Komnenoi) . Enjoy

Treachery & The Fall

Something I composed/sequenced recently last fall (2018).

"From one Island and one alone, an entire city and empire was born.... Proikonnesos"

aka Island of Marmara 

"During most of its history, the island was called "Proikonnesos" (island of the royal dowry), and "Prinkipo", (island of the aristocracy)."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmara_Island

Proikonnesos (Marmara)

RMX1 note(s): Added Orthodox Chant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIMA_prophecy
Tribute to Manuel I Komnenos

Composed the week of November 1st through till the 10th. Cheers for listening

Background: Most recent composition featuring grandpiano mixed with violins, cello and synth keys. No drums, mostly piano instrumental. 
This is my unofficial "musical memorium" to the life of Manuel I Komnenos, the last of the 'competent' Komnenoi dynastic line. Not perfect, he in-directly threw fuel on the fire of the growing schism between east and west, latin and eastern church with his tax reforms overly favorable of the italian maritime states/republics merchant class doing business within Constantinople. He passed leaving his dowager Empress, Maria of Antioch (Norman princess) who presided over the regency of his young son Alexios II Komnenos. Un-popular with the Roman aristocracy for her favorable Western views, she was over thrown in a coup by another of the Komnenoi, Andronikos I Komnenos "The Terrible", the eventual last reigning Emperor of that Dynasty. The Angeloi dynasty followed, also a branch of the Komnenoi-Doukid aristocratic families, and within 29 years the Queen of Cities was taken in the events of the 4th Crusade. 
On another side, he is the last recorded Eastern Roman Emperor to be favorably viewed by the re-surgent West.

His Legacy

To the rhetors of his court, Manuel was the "divine emperor". A generation after his death, Choniates referred to him as "the most blessed among emperors", and a century later John Stavrakios described him as "great in fine deeds". John Phokas, a soldier who fought in Manuel's army, characterised him some years later as the "world saving" and glorious emperor. Manuel would be remembered in France, Italy, and the Crusader states as the most powerful sovereign in the world. A Genoese analyst noted that with the passing of "Lord Manuel of divine memory, the most blessed emperor of Constantinople ... all Christendom incurred great ruin and detriment." William of Tyre called Manuel "a wise and discreet prince of great magnificence, worthy of praise in every respect", "a great-souled man of incomparable energy", whose "memory will ever be held in benediction." Manuel was further extolled by Robert of Clari as "a right worthy man, [...] and richest of all the Christians who ever were, and the most bountiful."
A telling reminder of the influence that Manuel held in the Crusader states in particular can still be seen in the church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem. In the 1160s the nave was redecorated with mosaics showing the councils of the church. Manuel was one of the patrons of the work. On the south wall, an inscription in Greek reads: "the present work was finished by Ephraim the monk, painter and mosaicist, in the reign of the great emperor Manuel Porphyrogennetos Komnenos and in the time of the great king of Jerusalem, Amalric." That Manuel's name was placed first was a symbolic, public recognition of Manuel's overlordship as leader of the [THEN] Christian world.

"AIMA" - Prophecy of Blood

Inspired by the subject, the Roman Thémata (plural of Théma)

"The theme system reached its apogee in the 9th and 10th centuries, as older themes were split up and the conquest of territory resulted in the creation of new ones. The original theme system underwent significant changes in the 11th and 12th centuries, but the term remained in use as a provincial and financial circumscription until the very end of the Empire."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theme_(Byzantine_district)

RMX2 Notes: Some tweaks to instrument placement/arrangement as well as dropping the repeating melody volume during the piano parts(loosely would be the verse)

Théma

Póntos Áxeinos

Hello world. This is my music profile... a passion I have in life. So far it has allowed me to channel many things, including many interests into many compositions, what I feel is personal art, inspired by life, learning, living, feeling... breathing. Music is universal, it is a constant for all. It connects us on levels above and beyond and transcends what cannot be described in words. 
Born and raised in Montreal, Québec Canada. 
I have a particular interest in the period of time known as the high-middle ages. This, I try, to convey, in my way, with my influences. (not limited to this however....) There's a definite 'western rock' and classical edge and sound respectively to many of my compositions, however, this is likely only due to my limited knowledge(so far) in various instruments and digital composition. I also direly need to purchase a keyboard. Believe it or not, most of my work is done through a piano roll, lots tweaking and tinkering, lots of time and patience. I like to think, my music conveys my soul... a therapy of work I dare to share.

My DAW: A decent i7 quad core. 
Sequencing software of choice: FL Studio + VSTs
Instruments (played): Guitar, bass
Instruments (digitial): Violin, cello, piano, drums, etc..

CONSTANTINOPLE

A shelf for medleys