Sunday, March 23, 2014

Armenian Music

Armenian Duduk
Folk music plays a major part of Armenian culture; however, Christian music is also very popular, as is light pop. Religion plays a large part in Armenia culture, as such it follows that religion will have an influence on the creative arts, and music is no different.

Folk Music
There is a wide range of musical instruments that are unique to Armenia or to the Caucasus region.  These include instruments like the Duduk, the Dhol, the Zurna and the popular Kanun, all of which are found in Armenian folk music. This form of music plays a significant part in Armenian culture and can be found far and wide throughout the country.

Diaspora
The Armenian Genocide caused a wide spread displacement of Armenian citizens across the world, as such Armenian music has spread far and wide, however, the influence of other cultures on Armenian music can also been seen in the country’s pop music, which is heavily influence by western popular artists. In the United States of America the so called “Kef” style of Armenian dance music (which combines Armenian and Middle Eastern folk instruments with modern western electronic ones) is very popular in both the American Armenian community as well as in Armenia itself.

Tradition
Traditionally, Armenia has been known for its classical music and during the Soviet rule of Armenia Aram Khatchaturian (the noted composer) became internationally well known for his classical music compositions. However, the oldest form of music found in the country is the Armenian Chant which takes its format from religious music in medieval times. Many of these chants can trace their origins to pre-Christian times and whilst some are relatively modern, most of these chants are more traditional.

Influences
During the 1940’s and 50’s the big jazz bands of America and Europe proved to be very popular with the Armenian communities abroad and had a big influence on the music of the Armenian diaspora. However, in more modern times, many young Armenians living abroad have found popularity in songs of Armenian patriotism and revolutionary songs which generally discuss Armenian history and national heroes.

Armenians Abroad
In more recent times, there are many examples of successful musicians or artists who are Armenian and have settled in other communities around the world, or can claim Armenian heritage, whose style of music is far removed from the traditional Armenian style of music such as the heavy metal band System of a Down and the pop star Cher.

No comments:

Post a Comment