Bonus Features: Armenian Dances
As I was researching for my previous post, I came across quite a few videos of different versions of the Armenian folk songs used in Alfred Reed’s piece. I had fun listening to so many different arrangements, so I thought I’d share some of them with you. I hope you enjoy them, too!
The Apricot Tree (Tsirani Tsar)
I must say, I had never heard of a duduk until writing about this piece. Quite a fascinating instrument! I can’t imagine trying to play that thing! Here’s a version of Tsirani Tsar for duduk, violin, and piano.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI91d16FbRE]
And here is an arrangement for soprano voice and piano
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA7pH1KWkSs]
The Partridge’s Song (Kagavik)
Here’s a version with violin and piano
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgRt6Qkxfa4]
This is one for string quartet (performed by the Komitas Quartet). I really like this one!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHmNLjCAw5k]
This one is a bit of a mindbender – he turns it into a rather jazzy version and really plays with the melody. It’s fun!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A0hNjiTQbc]
Hoy, My Nazan
Here’s a vocal version of the song. You might notice this one feels more “balanced” than in the band arrangement. That’s because it’s in 6/8 time instead of 5/8. So you feel two strong pulses of three quick beats each (1-2-3-4-5-6 instead of the 1-2-3-4-5 that Reed used.)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-uGK2Ge98c]
Back to the Komitas Quartet for their rendition
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gydVBvljPi4]
I like this one, too – it’s for a choir
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LeEJvsIpZo]
Alagyaz
Here’s a lovely vocal version of Alagyaz
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNWARl8ZB8o]
Go, Go!
Sadly, I couldn’t find anything for this one. It’s a shame, as I would have loved to hear some other takes on it. If anyone happens across something, please let me know!
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