Customer Reviews

Miniatures: Masterworks for Armenian Duduk

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As the listing has no list of tracks:
1 Anush Garun - folk inspired contemporary composition
2 Kan Voor Jan - bardic love song (improvisational)
3 Shiraki - folk dance
4 Alagyas-Khnki Tsar - folk inspired contemporary composition
5 Vardani Mor Voghb - medieval;text set in 5th century
6 Yaylavor Yar - by modern folk singer (1896-1978)
7 Akhalqalaqi - traditional dance
8 Knir im Balik - traditional lullaby
9 Hayots Aghcheekner - folk inspired contemporary composition
10 Shustar - classic Middle Eastern mode and motif
11 Krngeli - folk dance
12 Aravot Luso - 12th century religious
13 Spasum - classic Middle Eastern mode and motif
14 Havun, Havun - 10th century religious allegory (rooster and hens!)
15 Tsaghik Es - folk dance

There are two duduk playing - the soloist and a 'drone'. The sound is less "foreign" that much of the Middle East's music - in a strange way, it makes you feel like you are listening to improvisation, or musings, by masters in intimate, quiet quarters. But it is not new age or ambient music - it is the best of the best of Armenian music.

The music of Armenia is steeped with ancient instruments and haunting melodies. The intriguing rhythms and melodies seem to combine the music of Turkey and the Balkans to create mellow, ambient, melancholy, meditative music ... this is exactly the kind of music I love! Gevorg Dabaghyan reveals the soul of Armenia with each and every note he plays on the duduk, a double reed pipe. Some of the music dates from as far back as the 5th century. Others are from the 10th & 13th centuries, some from the 19th century. Many of the selections are considered "Eastern classical" music, meaning they fit within prescribed modes and makams. There are folk songs from regions that in the past were Armenian territory. There are religious pieces with symbolism, for hope, resurrection and a new life ... Often the music is accompanied by a drone (produced by another duduk) and there is the beat of a dhol (large cylindrical drum). This is the music I play after a long and stressful day ... it soothes my restless spirit and restores my energy. While remaing still and concentrating on the sounds produced by the dudu,k my mind clears the tension and worries of the day. It can meander into unknown musical landscapes by following the melodies and rhythms of this fascinating and beguiling instrument. Anyone who loves Middle Eastern, Balkan, or Turkish music should expand their horizons and experience the pleasures of the duduk ... Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Is a must for anyone who deal with duduk and similar instruments, to be a valuable piece of collection for anyone who like this kind of music. Dabaghyan is an outstanding master of Duduk.