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A NEW CD IN MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE
MARTYRS
ISSUED BY THE EASTERN PRELACY
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NEW
YORK, NY—A new CD—a musical tribute to the martyrs
of 1915—was recently issued by the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Entitled, Yerkabsag (Wreath
of Songs), the CD was recorded in Armenia on the occasion of the
90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, with the well-known
musicologist Krikor Pidedjian directing the Chamber Choir of Yerevan
and the Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra. It is a compilation
of national songs written in the spirit of remembrance, martyrdom,
and struggle.
As explained in the booklet accompanying the CD, the Prelacy deemed
it appropriate to mass produce this “wreath of songs”
in lieu of a wreath of flowers to honor the martyrs. The fifteen
selections on the CD are: Der Zor; To the Martyrs of Genocide;
Have Compassion, O Lord; Song of Exile; The Lament of Adana; Ani;
In Memory of Aram Aramian; Song of the Fedayee; O, God of Armenians;
O Vasbouragan, A Dream; Welcome Back, Crane; Awaken my Son; With
My Motherland; Giligia.
Krikor Pidedjian is known throughout the Diaspora and Armenia
and recognized as one of the most talented musicologists. Born
and raised in a family of musicians and music lovers, at a young
age he became a member of Garbis Aprikian’s choir, where
he began to appreciate Armenian Classical music.
He became immersed in national and church music at the Seminary
of the Great House of Cilicia, where he studied with musicologist
Hampartzoum Berberian. Subsequently, he studied theory, composition
and piano at the Conservatory of Beirut, and he took on the role
of choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator
in Antelias, Lebanon. In New York he earned a degree in conducting
from the Mannes College of Music, and a Masters’ Degree
from Hunter College. In 1962 he organized the Kousan Chorus in
New York and presented concerts for many years to appreciative
audiences.
Maestro Pidedjian has directed many choruses in various places
for decades. He has written scholarly monographs, as well as many
books including Anzink Nuviryalk (Devoted Persons); Armenian Songs
of Exile; The Place of Armenian Revolutionary Songs in Armenian
Music; Armenian Diction; The Chants of the Armenian Church; Was
Krikor Narekatzi a Composer of Hymns?; and many articles.
The booklet accompanying this CD includes the words of all the
songs in Armenian and English translation. The CD is available
at the Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus $3.00 for shipping and
handling. For information contact the Bookstore by email at books@armenianprelacy.org
or by phone at 212-689-7810. |
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Yerkabsag
A Musical Tribute to the Genocide Martyrs
Chamber Choir of Yerevan
Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra
Krikor Pidedjian, Conductor
$15.00, plus $3.00 shipping and handling |
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