… “Chimes of Homeland” CD – released 2007
Konstantin Petrossian belongs to the generation of Armenian composers whose bright personalities and mastery epitomize contemporary Armenian music.
Although the scores on this CD were composed relatively recently, many of them have already been widely acclaimed. Of particular interest, alongside the vocal and instrumental compositions, is the Hayrenee Ghoghanjner (Chimes of the Homeland) choral cycle of exquisite arrangements of Armenian songs that combine the traditional style created by greater armenian composer Komitas and the contemporary creative approach.
While the Chimes of the Homeland cycle in itself provides a worthy and remarkable contribution to the choral art, likewise the brilliant work of the Komitas Chamber Choir directed by Hovhannes Mirzoyan (Yerevan State Conservatory of Music) and their fruitful cooperation with the composer have contributed to this marvelous musical accomplishment.
Edward Mirzoyan, Composer
Yerevan, Armenia
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Choral cycle “Hayrenee Ghoghanjner”(Chimes of the Homeland) by Konstantin Petrossian consists of ten choral arrangements of folk songs, representing various genres and themes.
1.2.3. The first three out of the assortment represent love poetry. Aysor Oorbat Piter (Today Is Friday ) is full of sadness caused by the separation of two loving hearts, Berditsu Ashetsee (I Looked From the Cave) tells a story of intense longing for the loved one and Lusnakn Arer (The Moon Has Set In) reflects feelings of tender love.
4. They are followed by Tamzara (Armenian Dance Song), a popular Western Armenian dance tune, which owes its unique charm to peculiar rhythms.
5. Sandee Yerk (Labor Song) is an example of a labor song originating from the Shatakh Vaspurakan Province. Its opening exclamations are typical for songs of this genre, driving the rhythm of the work.
6. Widely popular among the Armenians, Sona Yar (Armenian Dance Song) is a dance song, performed by dancers in a circle. The pattern originates from the town of Van and is different from Komidas’ recording and arrangement Sona Yar.
7. In the Western Armenian mourning song Al Chem Khagha (I Shall Play No More – Mourning Song), sadness is created by a beautiful lyrical melody winding against the tender rolling of suspended voices.
8. The extremely popular Arshakn Yelav (Arshak Rises – Tragic Song), also known as Shorora Salat, tells the story of the young fisherman, Arshak, who is perishing in the sea while his wife, Salat, unaware of his death, dances at a feast. The masterful, elaborate use of the chorus and the deliberate disconnection of the melody from the dance rhythm underscores the grim and tragic background of Salat’s dance.
9. Contrasting with it is the Akh Sevavor, Sevig Aghchig (Oh Dark, Dark Girl) duet displaying the facetious song genre. This is a dialog between the mother, who wants her daughter to marry a wealthy person by the name Van, and the girl who is in love with the poor villager Sako.
10. The dance tune of Kanachel a Arteru (The Garden Has Blossomed) emerged in the town of Shirak where it is still popular. Following one another as an exquisite and picturesque illustration of life in the countryside, these tender songs bring with them the flavor of the composer’s homeland – Armenia.
Alina Pahlevanian
Ethnomusicologist, Professor, Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory,Armenia