The rebetiko song is built on these rhythms, whose melodic line we can clearly see the influence or rather the extension of the Byzantine element. Not only by examining the scales that are kept unchanged by the instinct of popular musicians, but also by observing the falls, the intervals and the manner of execution. Everything reveals the source, which is none other than the strict and absolute ecclesiastical hymnody.
—Manos Chatzidakis (Great Greek Composer)