Armenian music has a long and rich history that dates back to the 6th century. The earliest forms of Armenian music were religious chants and hymns that were sung in the Armenian church. Over time, these chants and hymns evolved into different musical forms, such as the sharakan, a type of hymn that is still popular today.
Saint Mesrop Mashtots
One of the most important figures in Armenian music during this period was Saint Mesrop Mashtots, who is credited with inventing the Armenian alphabet. He also played a significant role in the development of Armenian music, creating a system of musical notation that allowed composers to write down and preserve their music.
In the centuries that followed, Armenian music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of Byzantine and Arabic music. During the Middle Ages, the troubadour tradition became popular in Armenia, with musicians traveling from village to village and performing for audiences.
In the 19th century, Armenian music underwent a renaissance, with composers and musicians working to preserve and promote traditional Armenian music. This led to the development of new genres of Armenian music, such as the ashugh music of the Caucasus region and the krokyan music of Western Armenia.
Sayat-Nova
Sayat-Nova was a prominent Armenian poet, musician, and troubadour who lived during the 18th century. He was born Harutyun Sayatyan in the village of Tiflis, which is now part of Georgia, and took the name Sayat-Nova, which means “king of songs,” as his stage name.
Sayat-Nova is considered one of the greatest poets and musicians in Armenian history, and his works have had a significant impact on Armenian culture. He wrote in the Armenian, Georgian, and Azerbaijani languages, and his poems and songs often dealt with themes of love, nature, and spirituality.
Sayat-Nova was also a skilled musician and played a variety of instruments, including the kamancheh, a bowed string instrument, and the tar, a plucked string instrument. He composed many of his own songs and was known for his beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms.
Sayat-Nova’s music and poetry have been passed down through the generations and are still popular in Armenia and the surrounding regions today. His influence can be seen in the works of many Armenian musicians and poets who came after him, and he remains an important figure in Armenian cultural history.
Komitas Vardapet
Komitas Vardapet, also known as Soghomon Soghomonian, is widely regarded as the father of contemporary Armenian music. He was born in 1869 in the Ottoman Empire, in a region that is now part of Turkey, and was renowned for his work as a composer, musicologist, and ethnomusicologist.
Komitas was instrumental in the development of Armenian music in the 20th century. He was passionate about preserving traditional Armenian music, and traveled extensively throughout Armenia and surrounding regions to study and document folk songs and dances. He also transcribed and arranged many of these songs for choral performance, often incorporating elements of Western classical music.
In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Komitas was also an accomplished singer and performer, and he established a number of choirs throughout Armenia and the diaspora. He also taught at the Tiflis Conservatory in Georgia, where he trained a new generation of Armenian musicians.
Unfortunately, Komitas’s life and work were disrupted by the Armenian Genocide of 1915, during which he and many of his fellow Armenians were subjected to violence, displacement, and forced assimilation. He was eventually released from captivity and settled in Paris, where he continued to work on his music and writings until his death in 1935.
Today, Komitas is celebrated as a national hero in Armenia, and his legacy is felt throughout Armenian music and culture. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and composers to explore and celebrate the rich traditions of Armenian music.
During the 20th century, Armenian music was heavily influenced by Western classical music, jazz, and other genres. Many Armenian composers and musicians gained international recognition, and Armenian music became an important part of the world music scene.
Today, Armenian music is a fusion of traditional Armenian music with modern Western influences. It incorporates various genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and hip hop. Some popular contemporary Armenian musicians include Sirusho, Aram MP3, and Iveta Mukuchyan who have gained international recognition over the years. The fusion of traditional Armenian music with modern genres has resulted in a unique sound that is loved by many.
10 facts about Armenian musical instruments
1. The duduk is the most famous Armenian musical instrument, known for its unique sound and haunting melodies.
2. The zurna is another popular Armenian instrument, usually played at weddings and other celebratory events.
3. The kamancha is a bowed string instrument that is often featured in traditional Armenian music.
4. The tar is a plucked string instrument that has been used in Armenian music for centuries.
5. The dhol is a large drum that is commonly used in Armenian folk music.
6. The shvi is a type of flute that is made from apricot wood and is often used in Armenian folk music.
7. The qanun is a stringed instrument that is similar to a zither and is commonly used in Armenian and Middle Eastern music.
8. The oud is another stringed instrument that is popular in Armenian and Middle Eastern music.
9. The blul is a type of wind instrument that is made from the bone of an eagle or vulture and is often used in Armenian folk music.
10. The santur is a hammered dulcimer that is commonly used in Armenian and Persian music.