The Armenian composer Komitas Vartabed was born in 1869. Orphaned at age 11, Komitas grew up in a monastery where he was recognized by the patriarchs for exceptional skills as a singer. In 1893, Komitas made the plunge into the priesthood of the Armenian Church and was quickly promoted in the sacerdotal ranks to the learned level of Vartabed. A few years later the talented holy man journeyed to Berlin in order to pursue his musical education. In 1899, and in his characteristically ambitious and gifted manner, the 30-year-old Komitas earned his Doctorate in Musicology from the Frederick Wilhelm Imperial University.
Among Komitas Vartabed's many musical accomplishments are his collections of Armenian folk songs and his subsequent development of a Badarak (Divine Liturgy) from these folk songs. The Armenian composer took on the task of configuring a new Badarak based upon the people's music because he believed the accepted Badarak of the time had been debased by its reliance on non-traditional secular musics. On Music of Komitas Vartabed it is not Komitas' Badarak that one hears, but rather it is his choral and orchestral adaptations of folk songs that are presented. The 26-member Yerevan Chamber Choir, under the direction of maestro Harutyun Topikyan, performs a bounty of the Armenian composer's tunes -- including "Harvest Song," "Threshing Song," and "Lullaby" -- with elegance, bravado, and gusto.
Unfortunately, on the 24th of April 1915 -- the same day that marked the onslaught of the Armenian Genocide -- Komitas Vartabed was one of several hundred members of the Armenian intelligentsia who were incarcerated in Constantinople. Though he survived the lengthy imprisonment, he returned to find his manuscripts in shambles and, worse, the Armenian people trying to deal with the fallout from their tremendous tragedy. This distress led to his inability to work effectively and eventually brought about his death. Thanks in great measure to the work of Armenians who are dedicated to reviving his work, Komitas Vartabed lives on once again through his music. ~ John Vallier
native Armenian Harutyun Topikyan conducts the Yerevan Chamber Choir, who are acclaimed for performances of newly discovered versions of composer Vartabed's (born 1869 & known as the "Father Of Armenian Music") liturgical mass, which they present here
Wedding Songs, Vol. 1 / Sacred blessing to the new family / Bride's farewell to her father's home / Greeting song to the groom's mother / Tribute to the groom / Tribute to the guests / Tribute to the bride and groom
2
Moonlight Love Song
3
Men Singing and Dancing
4
Armenian Folk Songs and Dances, Vol. 3 / Love song / Joke song / Tribute to Hunter Lover / Widow's lament / Nostalgia song / A Dance song
5
Work Song Praising the Motherland During Spring
6
Carter's Song
7
Love Song and Dance
8
Love Song
9
Mother's Joke song
10
Armenian Folk Songs and Dances, Vol. 4 / 7 Lamentations of Song and Dance
11
Joke Song
12
Work Song During Fall (Harvest)
13
Joke Song Play
14
Feast Song
15
Love Dance Song
16
Rite Joke Song
17
In Memory of Martyrs
18
Work Song
19
Rite Joke Song
Music Of Komitas Vartabed Review
Music Of Komitas Vartabed Classical Reviews
Guidelines Remember to focus your comments on Music Of Komitas Vartabed CD. Check our review guidelines for specific details regarding customer review policy.
To submit your review, please fill out the above form and click "Submit Review." A staff member will then verify your review meets our guidelines. Upon approval, your review will be published within a few days.
Please do not use this form to comment on web site errors or for order related questions. If you have concerns of this nature, please contact customer service by filling out this form.
Additional track information is unavailable.
Purchase Music Of Komitas Vartabed
Customers Who Buy Music Of Komitas Vartabed Purchase:
Share this Product