Armenian Music vs. Turkish and Iranian

[Guest]

Armenian Music

 

Armenia offers some definite points of contact with the better-known music of Europe, especially via sacred choral music for the Christian rite. Choral music of this sort is generally what is termed "classical" in that tradition, along with the medieval sacred lyric songs that have been preserved. However, much of the music called "folk" is analogous to the classical music of neighboring cultures, and forms the core of my interest. Some of these performers do regard themselves as forming the "real" classical tradition.

 

In that sense, Armenian music is one of the most unique in the region, with some characteristic instruments of its own, and often more formal variety. Nonetheless, many of the instruments are ubiquitous, and the general modal style fits in the niche between that of Iran & Turkey fairly clearly. The primary differences are that there is no musical establishment for these styles, and that the articulation is often more Western in vocal works.

 

The most exciting series at present is the 6-volume set on the Celestial Harmonies label. This gives us some brilliant interpretations in a strongly classical style, something that has been lacking on record. The most compelling introductory recording featuring vocal selections is certainly:

 

The Music of Armenia, Volume 5

Shoghaken Folk Ensemble / Sasun Folk Group

Celestial Harmonies 14119 (2 CDs)

Although those performances sometimes use several instruments at once, the textures are always clear and lucid. The sonorities are generally softer than one hears in most Near-Eastern music, and the vocal styles show a good deal of variety.

 

The director of the first ensemble above is one of the leading players on the duduk (Armenian oboe), the most characteristic Armenian sonority heard here. A fine solo recording:

 

The Music of Armenia, Volume 3

Gevorg Dabagian: Duduk

Celestial Harmonies 13117

This is really an amazing recording, very different from any solo instrumental in the other nearby traditions. It made quite an impact on me, and was the first recording listed here that I heard.

 

For vocal music, the two volumes on Ocora are also worthwhile. Note that Volume 2 of the Celestial Harmonies series is somewhat of a disappointment, and the Ocora Ashugh disc is to be preferred for the sacred lyrics.

 

There is also a developing discography of Armenian instrumental music, many of whose recordings have some merit, but this list will be kept necessarily brief.

 

 

T. M. McComb

7 February 1999

http://www.medieval.org/music/world/armenia.html

[Guest]

I have come across the following site http://mp3.musichall.am/ .

 

It contains a large number of truly Armenian songs, and it seems that they keep adding. The site is created with the help of renowned Armenian musicians such as

 

Composers:

Mr. Eduard Mirzoyan,

Mr. Tigran Mansurian,

Mr. Robert Amirchanian,

Mr. Gagik Hovounts,

Mr. Martin Vartazarian.

 

Conductors:

Mr. Ohannes Tchekidjian,

Mr. Loris Tjeknavorian,

Mr. Aram Gharabekian,

Mr. Ruben Asatrian.

 

Performers:

Ms.Anahit Nersissian,

Ms.Swetlana Navasardian,

Mr. Armen Babakhanian.

 

Vocalists:

Mr. Tigran Levonian,

Mr. Ruben Matevosian,

Mr. Hovhannes Badalian,

Ms. Anna Mailian,

Mr. Papin Poghosian.

 

Prof. Irina Tigranova-Terterian,

Prof. Alina Pahlevanianthe,

 

and the

 

Department of Folklore,

Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory.

 

Their server seems to be slow, however.

 

It contains:

MP3 Files 1323

Albums 120

Composers 202

Artists 144.

 

 

The text below is their introduction.

 

"The MP3 audio library completed from the recordings of Armenian folk, classical and sacred music, the works of Armenian composers of different genres and trends, performances of Armenian musicians in varieties of styles and categories. We are not going to dictate our tastes and predilections to our listeners. Our goal is to give our listeners the opportunity to choose the music of their preference.

 

Unfortunately, the MusicHall does not cover the whole heritage of the centuries-old Armenian music. We hope our initiation will be of great interest both for the amateurs and professional musicians. In order to achieve that we are going to improve our database. Our site is open to any suggestions and additions to our library, and we are looking forward to cooperation with people who cherish the Armenian music heritage.

 

This site was created for you. Once again welcome to the MusicHall and if due to it you come across to familiar and favorite works or find new ones, if you once more perceive the eternity or simply relax, we shall know we had at least little success. So, let's listen to the music! "

 

P.S. Mike, you may want to check Genre -Jazz, Artist-Dinkjian A., and download his compositions written for oud.

 

[This message has been edited by MJ (edited January 29, 2001).]

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by MJ:
P.S. Mike, you may want to check Genre -Jazz, Artist-Dinkjian A., and download his compositions written for oud.

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Thanks! I'm a fan of the stuff he's done with Arto Tuncyboyacian (or however it's spelled), but I don't have any of his own Night Ark material. Movses posted something about him being from Dikranegertsi descent which makes me 100 times more interested in him. I've been meaning to "get up to speed" with his work.

As for the oud, ugh. I could write my name in the amount of dust mine is collecting. Depressing. I wish I would have started younger when I had more time to devote to an instrument. My teacher's probably written me off...