Marsyas

... was the name of a satyr in ancient Greek mythology. He was the first mortal who played the aulos, the reed instrument that goddess Pallas Athena had created. His playing on the aulos was so masterful that Phrygian peasants considered him to be a better musician than even Apollon, the god of music. When Apollon heard this he challenged Marsyas in a competition -- lyre vs. aulos. When there was no winner after the first round, Apollon changed the rules stipulating that both of them play their instruments upside down and also sing while playing. With these unfair conditions, Marsyas had no chance and was punished by Apollon who tortured him to death. Marsyas lived on in the memory of the peasants who thought of him as an invisible helper against armed invaders. Statues of Marsyas became symbols of freedom, especially in the Greek colonies.

is a new European label dedicated to contemporary classical music with a special knack. Founded in 2005, Marsyas presents music from the 20th and 21st centuries -- uniting the European classical tradition with fresh and surprising sounds that come out of diverse origins such as world music, jazz or pop. The label was started with clarinet player Sabine Meyer's project "Paris Mécanique" featuring one to four clarinets and a barrel organ.