Greek Folk Music Dataset

This work contains a dataset of Greek Aegean folk music tunes focusing on two prominent dances, syrtos and balos, and associated feature-pattern analysis. About the Dataset This dataset was developed to support research in computational musicology, providing access to Greek musical heritage through manually transcribed MIDI scores, aligned lyrics, and rich metadata. Methodology Through pattern analysis (using a tailored version of [PatMinr](https://github.com/olivierlar/miningsuite)) and feature extraction, we examine both shared melodic structures and unique characteristics of each dance, with some examples reflecting traces of oral transmission. While metadata accompanies the collection to support organization and context, our primary emphasis is on the musical and lyrical content. Results Our analysis revealed that balos and syrtos dances share strong tonal, rhythmic, and melodic similarities, often functioning as a performance pair, though they differ in tonal emphases, melodic tendencies, and lyrical themes. Both dances exhibit substantial shared melodic-rhythmic patterns, reflecting common musical vocabulary across the Aegean, though each retains distinct motif preferences and regional variations influenced by oral transmission. Usage Researchers and enthusiasts interested in Greek folk music can utilize this dataset to study and explore the intricate musical nuances prevalent within folk traditions. Analysis Note: You will need to use MATLAB with MIRToolbox and MIDIToolbox. For code and full analysis pipelines, visit our GitHub repository.本研究包含一套聚焦于两种主流希腊爱琴海民间舞蹈——叙尔托斯舞（syrtos）与巴洛斯舞（balos）——的民间曲调数据集，以及相关的特征模式分析工作。 数据集概述 本数据集旨在为计算音乐学领域的研究提供支撑，通过手动转录的MIDI乐谱、对齐的歌词以及丰富的元数据，助力希腊音乐遗产的研究与传承。 研究方法 本研究采用适配版的[PatMinr](https://github.com/olivierlar/miningsuite)进行模式分析，并结合特征提取手段，对两种舞蹈共有的旋律结构与各自独特特征展开探究，部分样本还留存有口传音乐传承的痕迹。尽管数据集附带元数据以支持内容组织与背景梳理，但本研究的核心重点仍聚焦于音乐与歌词内容本身。 研究结果 分析结果显示，巴洛斯舞与叙尔托斯舞在调性、节奏与旋律层面存在显著相似性，二者常作为配套演出曲目出现，但在调性侧重、旋律倾向以及歌词主题上存在差异。两种舞蹈均具备大量共通的旋律-节奏模式，体现出爱琴海地区通用的音乐语汇，不过各自仍保留了独特的动机偏好与受口传传承影响的地域变体。 数据集用途 对希腊民间音乐感兴趣的研究人员与爱好者，可借助本数据集探究民间音乐传统中精妙细腻的音乐细节与风格特质。 分析说明 注意：需使用搭载MIRToolbox与MIDIToolbox的MATLAB软件。相关代码与完整分析流程可访问我们的GitHub仓库。