Skalkottas became one of Schoenberg's favoured pupils during his studies with him in the early 1930s in Berlin. But while Skalkottas was exploring 12 tone method with his teacher, he also developed an interest in Greek folk music. This was an exciting time for Skalkottas, but one that was fraught with financial difficulties, until a rich patron, Manolis Benakis, agreed to sponsor him, on condition that the composer help him deal in manuscripts, books and records in return. This arrangement would prove difficult for the depressive and reclusive Skalkottas, as Donald Macleod discovers. Show less