Discover the Sounds of Armenian Folk Music

Discover the fascinating and unique sounds of Armenian folk music, from the traditional instruments to the passionate singing.

Armenian Folk Music

Armenia has a rich and unique culture that is reflected in its music. Armenian folk music is an important part of the country’s heritage. The music is used to express the country’s history, traditions, and values. Armenian folk music has a wide range of genres, instruments, and styles.

Overview of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is the music typically played by Armenians living in Armenia and other Armenian diaspora communities. Armenian folk music has undergone a number of changes over the centuries, but has maintained many of the traditional elements that characterize it.

Armenian folk music is typically characterized by its use of polyphonic textures, Melody is often the most prominent element of Armenian folk music, and is often embellished by the use of improvisation. Harmony is also an important part of Armenian folk music, and is usually achieved using a system of drones and ostinati.

The most commonly used instruments in Armenian folk music include the duduk (a clarinet-like instrument), the zurna (a trumpet-like instrument), the oud (an upright stringed instrument), and the qanun (a zither-like instrument). Other instruments that are sometimes used include the dhol (a drum), the garmon (an accordion-like instrument), and the dap (a type of tambourine).

Armenian folk music often features syncopated rhythms, and many Armenians have a fondness for improvisation. This improvisational element is often what sets Armenian folk music apart from other types of traditional music.

Characteristics of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is a distinctive music style that is characterized by its use of microtones, specification of melody without the use of harmony, and often a droning sound in the background. These musical characteristics are thought to be a result of the ancient Armenian scale, which consists of seven notes with smaller divisions between them (known as microtones). This scale is thought to have originated from the babylonian scale and was later used in Armenian liturgical music. The droning sound in the background of many Armenian folk songs is created by the use of a type of wind instrument known as the duduk.

Armenian folk music has undergone a number of changes over the centuries, particularly since the nineteenth century when Armenia became a part of the Russian Empire. Many Armenian composers began to incorporate Western musical styles into their work, resulting in a more diverse range of Armenian music. In more recent years, Armenian folk music has been influenced by modern pop and rock music, leading to the development of new styles such as electronic folk music.

Traditional Instruments

Armenian folk music is a musical style that originates from the Armenian people. It is a musical style that issung in the Armenian language and is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the duduk, zurna, and oud. Armenian folk music has a long history and has often been influenced by other musical styles such as Persian and Turkish music.

Duduk

The duduk is a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument made from apricot wood. It has a double-reed mouthpiece and can be played with either two or three pieces of reed. The duduk is commonly used in Armenian folk music and was also used in the soundtrack for the film “Gladiator.”

Zurna

The zurna, is a wind instrument played in central Eurasia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans. It is usually accompanied by a davul in Anatolian folk music. A usually double-reed instrument, it has a conical body and is closely related to the balaban. The sound of the zurna has been described as “clear and penetrating, high-pitched, shrill”.

Kanun

The kanun is a large, trapezoid-shaped, stringed instrument. It has 72 strings that are plucked with the fingers, and it is usually played seated. The player pressing down on the strings with his or her left hand to change the pitch while plucking the strings with the right hand. The kanun is a very popular instrument in Armenian folk music and is often used in ensembles.

Famous Armenian Folk Songs

Armenian folk music is a genre of music that originates from the Armenian Highlands. Armenian folk music is a very old genre, with its origins dating back to the early Middle Ages. Armenian folk music is very diverse, with many different subgenres and styles.

“Dle Yaman”

“Dle Yaman” is one of the most famous Armenian folk songs. The melody is used in many different songs, in different keys and with different lyrics. It is a very popular song, often played at weddings and other celebrations.

The song is about a young woman who is in love with a man who is far away from her. She is waiting for him to come back to her, and she sings about her love for him.

“Kapuyt Aghts”

One of the most famous Armenian folk songs is “Kapuyt Aghts” (“The Green Apricot Tree”). The song is about a young woman who is in love with a young man who is away at war. She waits for him to return, but he is killed in battle. Devastated, she kills herself.

“Gusan Ashot”

“Gusan Ashot” is a famous Armenian folk song about a weary traveler. It is often performed by Armenian musicians on the duduk, a traditional Armenian wind instrument.

Contemporary Armenian Folk Music

Armenian folk music is a genre of music that is steeped in history and tradition. Armenian folk musicians have been able to keep the traditional sounds of their music alive while also incorporating modern influences. The result is a unique and beautiful blend of old and new.

Overview of contemporary Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is the traditional music of the Armenian people. It consists of melodies and songs, which are often accompanied by dances. It is widely known for its unique blend of rich vocal and instrumental traditions.

Armenian folk music has been influenced by many cultures and nations throughout its history. For example, Arabic music has had a significant impact on Armenian folk music, as have the sounds of Turkey, Persia, and the Caucasus. In more recent years, Western popular music has also played a role in the development of contemporary Armenian folk music.

One of the most important aspects of Armenian folk music is its use of improvisation. This allows performers to create new melodies and rhythms on the spot, which gives the music a very spontane

Characteristics of contemporary Armenian folk music

Contemporary Armenian folk music is a unique blend of traditional folk music and contemporary elements. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the duduk, zurna, and oud, as well as its focus on Armenian themes and stories. Contemporary Armenian folk music often incorporates elements of rock and roll, jazz, and pop music, making it a truly unique and eclectic genre.

Famous Contemporary Armenian Folk Songs

Armenian folk music is a valuable part of the country’s musical heritage. The music is often passed down from generation to generation, and many of the songs are about Armenia’s history and culture. Armenian folk music often has a unique sound that is different from other types of music.

“Mi Gna”

“Mi Gna” (pronounced “mee gnah”; Armenian: Մի գնացք / Mi gna; Turkish: Benim güzel yüzüm) is a song by Armenian singer Hayk Kasparov, also known by his stage name Mger Armenia. The song was released on August 10, 2018, and quickly went viral, with the official music video accumulating over 100 million views on YouTube as of June 2019.

The song is sung in both Armenian and Turkish, and its lyrics tell the story of a young man’s love for a girl whose beauty “puts the stars to shame”. The song’s popularity has been attributed to its catchy melody and its use of traditional Armenian instruments, as well as its appeal to Armenians living in Turkey who can relate to its theme of cross-cultural love.

Despite its massive popularity, “Mi Gna” has been criticized by some for allegedly promoting ” dangerous” cultural mixes and for contributing to the decline of the Armenian language.

“Qami”

“Qami” (Քամի) is one of the most famous contemporary Armenian folk songs. It was written by Vardan Zadoyan and became popular in the early 1970s. The song is about a young woman who is in love with a man who is not interested in her.

The song has been performed by many different artists, including Armen Badalyan, Sofia Rotaru, and Valeri Melikov. It has also been featured in many films and TV shows.

“Zangakatun”

Name: “Zangakatun”
Composer:Anonymous
Year composed: Early 20th century
First performed: In Armenia
form: Anthem

“Zangakatun” is a well-known Armenian folk song. The title means “Yellow Flower”, and the song is about a young woman who is in love with a man who is away at war.