Armenian Folk Music- Traditional and Modern

Discover the fascinating world of Armenian folk music, from its traditional roots to its modern interpretations.

What is Armenian folk music?

Armenian folk music is a genre of music that originates from the traditional music of Armenia. Armenian folk music is a mixture of native melodies and rhythms with influences from Byzantine and Western music. Armenian folk musicians use a variety of traditional instruments, such as the duduk, zurna, oud, and dhol.

The history of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is the music that is typically played at Armenian folk dances. This music has its origins in the Armenian Highlands, where it was played on traditional instruments such as the duduk, zurna, and kanun. It often has a complex structure that includes both solo and chorus sections. Armenian folk music has been influenced by a variety of other musical traditions over the years, including Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Russian music.

One of the most popular Armenian folk songs is “Sari Gelin,” which means “blonde bride.” This song tells the story of a young woman who is about to be married off to an older man. She is not happy about this arrangement and sings about her desire to be with a young man instead. “Sari Gelin” has been covered by a number of popular musicians, including Charles Aznavour and Sasha Waghandi.

Another well-known Armenian folk song is “Kochari,” which is a traditional dance song. This song is often performed by dochnors (traditional Armenian dancers). Kochari consists of three parts: the levoni ( slow part), the yerazapet (middle part), and the tasnakirk (fast part). The Levoni is typically sung by men while the yerazapet and tasnakirk are sung by women.

“Havatov Iravunk” (“The Son of Iravunq”) is another popular Armenian folk song that tells the story of a young man who goes off to war and does not return home. His mother waits for him for many years, but he never comes back. This song is often performed by Armenians who have lost loved ones in war or conflict.

Armenian folk music has undergone a revival in recent years, with many modern musicians creating new arrangements of traditional songs. Some of these artists include Goukasyan Brothers, Hayk Hakobyan, Sergey Hedgehog Sargsyan, and Ani Karina Mirzoyan.

The instruments used in Armenian folk music

Within Armenian folk music, there are two main types of musical instruments- those that are used for soloists, and those that are used for accompaniment.

The most common type of instrument used for soloists are the duduk and the zurna. The duduk is a double-reed woodwind instrument that is commonly made out of apricot wood. It has a very distinct sound, and is often used in Armenian folk music as well as in classical and contemporary pieces. The zurna, on the other hand, is a single-reed wind instrument that has a much sharper sound. It is often used in folk music during dance tunes and also in military bands.

As for instruments that are used for accompaniment, the most common ones are the tar (a stringed instrument), the kamancheh (another stringed instrument), and the dhol (a percussion instrument). The tar is a plucked instrument that has been traditionally used in Armenian music for centuries. It usually has five strings, but can sometimes have up to six or seven. The kamancheh is another traditional Armenian instrument that is played with a bow; it also usually has five strings but can have more. Finally, the dhol is a percussion instrument that resembles a drum; it is often played with two sticks.

The different styles of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music, like the folk music of most countries, has traditionally been used for entertainment, dancing, and sometimes Work. It has also been used to express social and political commentary. In Armenia, folk music is primarily vocal and is often accompanied by instruments such as the duduk (a type of flute), the shvi (a type of fiddle), and the oud (a type of lute).

Armenian folk music has undergone some changes in recent years. In Soviet Armenia, for example, traditional music was “reconceptualized” as socialist propaganda. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Armenian folk music. Today, Armenian folk music exists in two different styles: traditional and modern.

Traditional Armenian folk music is typically performed by either soloists or small ensembles. It is often based on ancient melodies or lyrics that have been passed down from generation to generation. Traditional instruments include the duduk, shvi, oud, zurna (a type of wind instrument), and dhol (a type of drums).

Modern Armenian folk music, on the other hand, is typically performed by larger ensembles. It often features a mix of traditional and contemporary instruments (such as electric guitars and synthesizers) and may incorporate elements from other genres such as pop or rock. While traditional folk music is still popular in Armenia, modern folk music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity among younger Armenians.

The lyrics and themes of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is the music of the Armenian people, characteristically consisting of straightforward, often powerful melodies underpinned by rich harmonies. The lyrics usually relate to deeply emotional themes such as heartbreak, loss and betrayal, and are often infused with an element of nationalism.

Armenian folk music is typically divided into two categories: traditional and modern. Traditional Armenian folk music is characterized by its simple and beautiful melodies, which are often adapted for use in more modern pieces. Modern Armenian folk music often combines traditional instruments with Western influences, resulting in a unique and distinctive sound.

The lyrics and themes of Armenian folk music are often deeply emotional, reflecting the Armenians’ history of struggle and survival. The music often speaks of heartbreak and loss, as well as betrayal and pain. However, it also celebrates the Armenians’ strength and resilience, as well as their love for their homeland.

The influence of Armenian folk music on other genres

Armenian folk music has had a significant impact on other genres, both traditional and modern. Various elements of Armenian folk music can be found in the music of other cultures, particularly in the Middle East and the Balkans. In some cases, such as with Turkish arabesque music, the influence is quite direct. In others, it is more indirect, with Armenian folk music serving as one of several influences on a particular genre.

The popularity of Armenian folk music today

Armenian folk music is still popular today and has influenced modern Armenian popular music. Many Armenians enjoy listening to folk music, and some folksingers have become quite popular in Armenia and abroad. Some Armenian folk songs are performed by soloists, while others are sung by groups of people.

Armenian folk music often utilizes traditional instruments, such as the duduk (a type of oboe), zurna (a type of flute), tar (a type of lute), and dhol (a type of drum). Traditional Armenian dances are also often performed to folk music, and these dances often tell a story or convey a message.

Modern Armenian folk music has been influenced by Western music, and many Armenian folk songs have been adapted to include Western instruments. However, some traditionalists believe that this has led to the loss of the traditional sound of Armenian folk music.

Armenian folk music in the modern era

Armenian folk music has been around for centuries and has undergone many changes throughout its history. In the modern era, Armenian folk music has been influenced by Western music, particularly pop and rock. However, there are still many elements of traditional Armenian folk music that can be heard in the music of today.

One of the most popular Armenian folk musicians in the modern era is Djivan Gasparyan. Djivan is a world-renowned duduk player and has released several albums of Armenian folk music. His music has been featured in many films, including The Last Temptation of Christ and The Insider.

another well-known Armenian folk musician is Ara Martirosyan. Ara is a virtuoso on the oud, a traditional stringed instrument, and has released several albums of both traditional and modern Armenian folk music. He has also toured internationally, performing his unique brand of Armenian folk music to audiences all over the world.

The future of Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is a traditional music that has undergone many changes over the centuries. The music has been influenced by the music of other cultures, and has also been influenced by the political situation in Armenia. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Armenian folk music, and many young people are now interested in learning about and performing this type of music.

10)How to get started with Armenian folk music

Armenian folk music is the traditional music of Armenia. In Armenian, the genre is known as sharakan (Շարական), and in Russian as armianskiy narodniy musik (Армянский народный музыка). Armenian folk music has many subgenres, including lusapur (Լուսապուր), barbari (ԲարբարԻ), ashough (Աշուղ), kochari(ԿոچարԻ), berd( Բ���ρд), togh( Թ��ܘܓ), shalakhogh ( Շ prove that they’re really a member of the clan by playing the right music on the right instrument.