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.

And here is an arrangement for soprano voice and piano

The Partridge’s Song (Kagavik)
Here’s a version with violin and piano

This is one for string quartet (performed by the Komitas Quartet).  I really like this one!

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!

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.)

Back to the Komitas Quartet for their rendition

I like this one, too – it’s for a choir

Alagyaz
Here’s a lovely vocal version of Alagyaz

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!

For CDs and some sheet music (score and individual parts), please visit Sheet Music Plus and support the blog.