Duduk

Instruments are a big part of music because they create the melody and sound.  There are guitars, pianos, violins, trumpets, and much more.  One instrument that a lot of people don't know about is the duduk.  It kind of looks like the flute but doesn't sound anything like it.  It's made out of wood and it has this very unique tone.  There might not be such thing as a racial instrument but, if there was this definitely would be it.  Armenians have played the duduk for centuries and it has been a big part of Armenian cultural music.  You can hear it played in the background of almost every Armenian song.  When it is played on its own, it rarely has a happy melody.  The duduk brings a sad tone to the music and that is what it's really meant for.  The duduk is played at funerals or other sad occasions like the commemorations for the Armenian genocide.  After the genocide, the Armenians portray themselves as the sad race and they can give out their message through the sounds of the duduk.

Although it looks like it's a simple instrument to play, it's actually not.  It's a very difficult instrument to learn because one small mistake is even heard.  One of Armenia's most famous duduk players is Jivan Gasparyan.  He is known for his amazing music and there hasn't been anyone who can play the duduk like him.  He puts all his emotions and worries into his music as he plays. 

 



Shabash at a Wedding

As we all know that shabash is a big part of a traditional Armenian celebration including birthdays, weddings, engagements, and christenings.   Shabash is when the guests attending the celebration just start throwing money all over the dance floor.  The money is mainly thrown at the person who through the party or if it's a wedding then it's thrown on the bride and groom.   The money is meant to be bring good luck and financial success. 

The video shown here is a traditional Armenian wedding where money is continuously being thrown around.   The people who are dancing are unknown, but they may be important because the money is being thrown on them.  The dance that they are doing has very difficult and complex moves which may also be the reason why people are continuously throwing money around.  Shabash can also be considered as congratulating someone or telling them that they are doing a good job at the dance they're performing.   Although the shabash is thrown on the men and woman dancing, the bride and groom will most probably receive the money.

To be completely honest, I kind of wish I was there.  This is one of the weddings where I have seen the most money being tossed around.   Usually it is only a couple hundred dollars maximum, but I'm sure the money in this video could have added up to a thousand dollars.  The men dancing in the video are so enthusiastic that they make me want to get up and dance.

Shalaxo

Armenian Music is Terrible

            Someone wants to know if Armenian music and Jewish musical are similar and the answer he gets isn’t what he expected.  Almost all Eastern music sucks because it is repetitive and crappy.  It is also atonal and confused in rhythm.

            The guy's answer discusses only one aspect of the Armenian culture.  My topic is similar to this remark because they both discuss Armenian Music.  Although they are discussed from two different point of views they both talk about the uniqueness of the music.  He talks about how he doesn't like Eastern music (including Armenian music) and how its different from other types of music.  On the other hand, the blog talks about what makes Armenian music so great and how it's different from other cultural music. 

            This man obviously is just stating his opinion but he is being very rude about it.  He sounds ignorant and biased.  He could have said the exact same thing by using different wording.

 

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Armenian_music_similar_to_Jewish_music

Belaj Banquet Hall

Music and Dance

            Armenian's priceless music comes from a long history that makes it so sacred and unique.  Most of the Armenian composers have been inspired by religious and national songs.  One of those famous composers is Komitas.  His style of music changed after his experiences with the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

            Although there were many singers who passed down their songs to many generations, what interested the Armenians the most was Operas.  The beginning of Armenian Operas of the 19th century brought a new phase to the Armenian music.

            The traditional Armenian folk songs are still alive in Armenia today.  The music has allowed the Armenian people to communicate in another language through the emotions they include within their music.  A famous artist by the name of Djivan Gasparyan, who is known as one of the best duduk players, has influenced people worldwide with the unique sound of the duduk.  He has been able to collaborate with international musicians, which has allowed him to spread the excitement of Armenian music.

            Traditional Armenian music can still be heard today in restaurants or any Armenian celebration.  It is also always present in festivals that take place in Armenia.  Many Armenian singers and musicians represent the development of contemporary Armenian music in the Republic.

            For the Armenian people, the music isn't only composed to be heard, but to be able to enjoy while connecting to it.  One way Armenians are able to connect to the music is through dance.   Armenian dance mostly represents the roots of the Armenian culture when it is accompanied by traditional or contemporary Armenian music.  The gracefulness and rhythm of Armenian choreography, sets it apart from other forms of dance.  With its extraordinary texture, Armenian dance ensembles have been able to win awards and competitions throughout the entire world.

 

http://www.ardani.net/armenia/armenia-culture.php