The Voice of Komitas Vardapet

1. Mogats Mirza, for voice & piano
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

2. Hov Arek, for voice & piano
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

3. Work(s) Gutan Yerg
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

4. Work(s) Havik
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

5. Work(s) Arorn out tatrakn
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

6. Work(s) Kali Yerg
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

7. Krunk
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

8. Kele Kele, for voice & piano
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

9. Antuni
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

10. Garun a
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

11. Work(s) Kujn ara/Gna gna
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

12. Alagyaz
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

13. Work(s) Hishestuk i gisherin
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

14. Work(s) Cristos Pataragyal
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

15. Work(s) Urakh ler
Composed by Vardapet Komitas

Tracks:

Havik
Garun a
Krunk
Chinar es
Krunk
Hov arek
Hoy, Nazan
Krunk
Tsirani tsar
Oror
Antuni
Oror
Duet For Viola and Percussion

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended!!!.......2006-11-12

The CD incorporates the three great Armenian Musicians of the 20th century beginning with Komitas, followed up my Mansurian and accomplished by Kashkashian. This is a true and sincere call from an Armenian's heart and there is no need to look for operatic performance of Komitas. Mansurian interpret's Komitas as Brahms sitting in front of his piano was interpreting compositions by Beethoven. This is done in a highly professional manner, though those people who like to hear folklore music performed by opera singers may not necessarily like it, but it does not discerdit the true value of the music masterfully digitalized by the ECM.

What Could They Have Been Thinking.......2005-03-24

I have great respect for the wonderful talent of Kim Kashkasian and the pieces I've heard by Tigran Mansurian are intriguing. Add to the the allure of works by Komitas, Armenia's most profound spiritual composer and folk song collector and this CD should be a no brainer recommendation. Sadly, it isn't that at all. It is rather one of the most ill concieved projects in the ECM catelogue.

For those who don't know Armenian music and musical history, Komitas was one of the first great Armenian composers of the modern era. He was trained as a choirboy and then as a priest in the Armenian church. Early in his life he determined to write down and preserve the folk music of his native land before it faded in the face of modernity. It was a good thing too, because much of it would have been destroyed by the Turkish genocide of the early 20th century. Komitas' music was minimal and yet perfectly matched to the haunting folk songs he collected. His songs won the respect of composers such as Debussy. Unfortunately, Komitas nearly perished in the genocide and witnessed first hand many of the atrocities. His mind was never the same and he spent the last years of his life hospitalized.

Komitas' songs are profound works, but they need a profound interpretation. Kashkasian does play viola on a few, but most of the songs are presented with piano, percussion and Mansurian's truly awful voice. Some might think that because the voice is tremulous that this gives Mansurian's interpretations a true folk character, but anyone familiar with the rich vocal traditions from which this music springs will immediately see that Mansurian just can't hold pitch. He doesn't microtonally inflect these pieces....he just can't sing them. Initially the voice is oddly endearing, but after he butchers several extraordinarily beautiful Komitas songs it becomes just plain ugly and ultimately revolting.

The shame is that the two Mansurian works on the disc, both for viola and percussion, are extraordinarily good. The first is a deeply folk influenced work for viola and mallets, which takes it's material from the scales and ornaments of Armenian music. The second is for similar forces but a longer work. It mixes Armenian idioms with an atonal language which is very convincing. On the strength of these two works I'd like to hear more from Mansurian the composer.

But NOT Mansurian the singer. If you are interested in his work, I would suggest trying other discs than this one. And if you are interested in Komitas, seek out one of several recordings by legitimate Armenian singers, or the lovely choral settings of these pieces. Komitas is well worth exploring, but not on this disc. Stay away from this like the plague!

fragile & beautiful.......2004-02-20

A peculiar project (that's why we love ECM though) exploring both modern and folk music of Armenia.

The disc opens with "Havik" a piece for viola and percussion by Mansurian. It has some of the sparse, echoey percussion one might expect from Takemitsu. It doesn't sound like Takemitsu, that's just what it reminded me of effect wise until the viola enters and then it is clear this music is from the Armenian tradition with its sorrowful longing that never quite reaches despair, and actually inspires hope.

Next comes 11 songs by Komitas and adapted by Mansurian for varying combinations of viola, piano, voice and percussion. Despite a distinct lack of quality and vocal talent, Mansurian's voice (he also handles piano duties) there is an appealing quality to it as he howls with unreserved fragility. Only ECM could conceive something like this and actually make it work.

Komitas' music is laced with tender fragility and a soulful honesty that produces a pensive serenity. No translations are provided (or orignal texts for that matter), but in all honesty, knowing the words would probably just get in the way of the enjoyment of the music. These performances are fragile and gorgeous. Mansurian is almost like a child singing, and the pure passion of his performance makes it enjoyable to listeners as well.

I didn't hold this opinion of the disc the first time I listened, but the tunes are so infectious and powerful that the voice quickly grows on you. You will find yourself humming "Garan A" and the playful "Hoy, Nazan" after a few listens.

Kashkashian makes her viola soar, capturing the nuances of the kemancheh (a bowed instrument played in Armenia and Iran) on pieces like "Krunk." The disc closes with an 18 minute "Duet for Viola and Percussion". Percussion-wise, it employs marimba, xylophone, gongs, congas, etc and they are used to brilliant effect in its slow passages...showing that percussion need not be bombastic to be effective. Much of the piece is performed at a whisper, but it starts to growl about 12 minutes in, but even that is brief and the piece finally fades into silence.

One of the most beautiful classical CDs I have ever heard.......2003-07-26

Simple folk loveliness.
The emotions this CD arouses are simply inexpressible. It is hard to articulate what it is about this CD that strikes me as utterly sublime.
The Komitas pieces Mansurian reinterprets are so magnificent and sad. The composer himself actually sings in his endearing off-key voice the old songs from his homeland, Armenia. Kashkashian is as always, a perfect beauty. There are moments on this CD where I actually felt like weeping because it was so beautiful. ECM is releasing a 2 CD set of the hitherto-neglected Mansurian this fall! Watch out for that one as well.

Average customer rating:

Komitas-Aslamazian

Manufacturer: Meg Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001HL9
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Habrban
Keler-Tsoler
Garoun A
Kagavik
Shogher Djan
Chinar Es
Hoy Nazan
Kroung
Al Ayloughs
Shoushiki
Khoumar
Etchmiadzni Par
Kele-Kele
Yerkingn Ampel A
Alagyaz
Noupar-Noupar
Dzirani Dzar

Average customer rating:

Pure
alienating
Celestial music. Clean your Heart and Soul
Real Art

The Voice of Komitas

Manufacturer: Trad. Crossroads
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Divine Liturgy
Music of Komitas Vartabed

ASIN: B0000031G6
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Mokats Mirza
Hov Arek Sarer
Gutan Yerg
Havik
Arorn Ou Tatrakn
Kali Yerg
Krunk
Kele Kele - Armenak Shahmuradian
Antuni
Garuna
Kujn Ara/Gna Gna
Algyaz Khunki Tsar
Hishestuk I Gisherin
Cristos Pataragyal
Urakh Ler

Customer Reviews:

Pure.......2004-04-14

This recording is something that you probably would not listen to in your car while driving to work in the morning. It is not something that you are likely listen to while washing the dishes. It is a piece of history and is a jewel for those studying Anthropology, ethnomusicology or any type of cultural studies. Komitas is the one of the most famous historical figures within the Armenian culture. We are fortunate to have a recording such as this one. Komitas is singing on the first couple of tracks. The other tracks are recording of one of his famous students with Komitas accompanying him on the piano.

alienating.......2004-02-14

First, the title of the CD is misleading since it is not Komitas who sings, but a student of his. Second, the music may be celebrated by Armenians, but is in fact dull and lackluster: a mixture of opera and folklore, taking the worse sides of both arts. The whole experience is not unpleasant, but in the end I remained quite alienated from this type of music: it rang no bells (which was expected: I bought the CD so as to hear something new), but it did not make me more curious about Armenian music either. The quality of the first track is so poor, that it should have been omitted: even gthe greatest admirers of Komitas will certainly skip the piece anytime they listen to the other ones.

Celestial music. Clean your Heart and Soul.......2001-02-18

Words cannot convey the divinity of this music... It is clean like child's soul, charming like the sky. It is the most "truthful" music one could ever had contemplated. These majestic melodies will bring you closer to your essence, your true "Self". It will forever change your perception of music and Beauty in general.

Real Art.......2000-11-08

This is a fabulous documentary reproduction of a 1912 recording of the great Armenian priest and musicologist. This unusual music is so intense and refined in its composition and execution that it is difficult to listen to anything contemporary for some time afterward. The quality of the recording is unfortunately not what could be hoped for; still, even to have the recordings at all is a blessing. When I first received it, I listened to it 3 or 4 times, each time feeling the songs more deeply than before. This emotional experience has gotten me interested in all things Armenian.

Average customer rating:

Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar

Manufacturer: Pomegranate Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00097FATK
Release Date: 2005-04-05

Tracks:

Garoun A
Noubar Noubar
Nazeli Bar
Yaman Yar
Sareri Hovin Mernem
Yarimo
Osanna
Shourch Bar
Zankezouri
Kakavik
Manoushaki
Vagharshapati
Ounapi
Marali
Shoushiki
Hed ou Arach
Shoror

Product Description

With this recording, Iakovos Kolanian sets a new standard in the interpretation and performance of Armenian music in the Classical idiom. What he presents here to the listener is not an ordinary transcription of this material for the classical guitar but, rather, a meditation on these choice Armenian folk tunes that is the fruit of many years of study, reflection and refinement. Owing to an almost instinctive feel for this music, he bestows each individual piece with a unique touch that has been shaped by his solid grounding in the traditions of the Spanish guitar, his devotion to the music of J. S. Bach and, of course, his natural affinity for Komitas. Aside from his breathtaking virtuosity, however, it is ultimately the musical refinement and emotional depth that distinguishes Kolanian's playing. The gems that he has created with this recording deserve to be treasured, and are sure to become a reference, for many years to come. -Kevork Imirzian

Average customer rating:

Armenian Choir

Manufacturer: Art & Electronics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DWDM
Release Date: 1992-01-01

Average customer rating:

Armenian Patriarchate

Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00003XB7G
Release Date: 2000-05-10

Tracks:

Christ Is Born, Magnificat Mode
O Wonderful Mystery, This Day The Paternal Voice
Praise The Lord O Jerusalem
Holy God Again In Peace Let Us Beseech The Lord
Greet One Another, Christ Among Us
Sanctus
In All Things Blessed Art Thou
The Lord's Prayer
Amen, Blessed Be The Lord's Name
Christ Is Born, This Day Is The Feast Of The Nativity
Glory To God In The Highest ,The Sun Riteousness
Christ Is Born, This Day Is The Feast Of The Nativity
Who Is Like Unto The Lord Our God
We Give Thanks To Thee, O Lord

Average customer rating:

Beautiful music
Wonderful

Komitas, Haydn, Shostakovich
Franz Joseph Haydn , Vardapet Komitas , Dmitry Shostakovich , and Komitas Quartet
Manufacturer: Studio Nova Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00009QPS2
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Habrban (Komitas)
Garoun a (Komitas)
Shogher Djan (Komitas)
Krounk (Komitas)
Vagharshapati (Komitas)
Yerkinkn Ampel a (Komitas)
Keler Tsoler (Komitas)
Shoushiki (Komitas)
Al Ayloughs (Komitas)
Hoy Nazan (Komitas)
Kele Kele (Komitas)
Allegro Con Brio (Haydn)
Allegretto (Haydn)
Menuet (Haydn)
Finale Presto (Haydn)
Allegretto (Shostakovich)
Lento (Shostakovich)
Allegro (Shostakovich)

Album Description

Studio Nova Records is proud to present the reissue of Komitas Quartet's "Komitas - Haydn - Shostakovitch" album, originally released in 1994. Showcasing some of the most popular compositions of the Armenian legendary ethnomusicologist, Komitas Vardapet, Komitas Quartet's masterful performance on this recording is truly a unique and an engaging one. The album also features quartet music of Haydn and Shostakovitch.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful music.......2003-09-15

The first time I listened to the 11 Komitas tracks I found myself gazing in a daydream feeling the history and richness of the Armenian culture. The strings are elaborate and elegant. The added bonus of 7 Haydn and Shostokovitch tracks give this CD extra depth by expressing the range of the quartet. Highly enjoyable and intelligent.

Wonderful.......2003-09-10

The Komitas Quartet, one of the oldest string quartets in the world, tackles the Haydn and Shostakovitch pieces with wonderful mastery, but the beauty of this work is in the music of the eleven short pieces which are composed by the Quartet's namesake. The ancient rural melodies are interpreted as if they were originally meant to be played by a string quartet.
Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Armenian Voices
Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia , Zoltan Kodaly , Benjamin Britten , Henry Purcell , Antonio Lotti , Francis Poulenc , Maurice Ravel , Mkhitar Ayrivanetsi , Vardapet Komitas , Arzas Voskanyan , Ralph / Rubino, Jerry Carmichael , George Gershwin , John & Paul McCartney Lennon , and Lars Edlund
Manufacturer: Pomegranate
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD