Armenian Dances


Armenian Dances is a musical piece for concert band, written by Alfred Reed. It is a four-movement suite of which Part I comprises the first movement and Part II comprises the remaining three. The two parts comprise a full-length symphony. Each part consists of a number of Armenian folk songs from the collection of Komitas Vardapet, an Armenian ethnomusicologist.

Background

Armenian Dances was completed in the summer of 1972 and first performed by the University of [Illinois at Urbana-Champaign|University of Illinois] Symphonic Band on January 10, 1973, at the College Band Directors National Association Convention in Urbana, Illinois. The piece is dedicated to Dr. Harry Begian of Armenian descent and the director of that ensemble. It consists of five authentic Armenian folksongs drawn from the vast collection of Gomidas Vartabed originally arranged for solo voice with piano accompaniment or unaccompanied chorus.
Armenian Dances was commissioned by the Armenian General Benevolent Union Alex Manoogian Cultural Fund after the highly successful premiere of Part I and completed in 1977 as a continuation of Part I and was again dedicated to Dr. Harry Begian. It was premiered on April 4, 1976, in Urbana, Illinois, by the University of Illinois Symphonic Band with Dr. Begian conducting. Part II consists of three movements, each based upon a single Armenian folk song.
The History of Armenian Traditional dances are an ancient and rich expression of Armenian culture, with roots dating back to pagan times. Every region in Armenia historically developed its own unique dance styles, reflecting the local environment, lifestyle, and values. Each dance is traditionally performed in a specific taraz, designed to match the character of the movement and the symbolism behind it. From the heroic Kochari of the highlands to the graceful dances of Vaspurakan, serve as a living narrative of the nation's heritage.

Structure

Part I

Part I is built upon five Armenian folk songs: "Tzirani Tzar", "Gakavi Yerk", "Hoy, Nazan Eem", "Alagyaz" and "Gna, Gna". Approximate performance duration is ten minutes thirty seconds 10'30".
  1. Tzirani Tzar, which opens the piece, begins with a short brass fanfare and runs in the woodwinds. This sentimental song consists of three related melodies.
  2. Gakavi Yerk, an original composition by Vardapet in common time, has a simple melody which is first stated in the woodwinds and then repeated by the brass. Its simple, delicate melody was intended for a children's choir and is symbolic of that bird's tiny steps.
  3. Hoy, Nazan Eem is a lively dance, mostly in time interspersed with occasional and measures, which naturally imposes an unusual pattern of additive meter—the notes repeatedly change from 3+2 eighth notes per bar to 2+3 eighth notes per bar. In this song, a young man sings the praises of his beloved, named Nazan.
  4. Alagyaz, a folk song named for a mountain in Armenia, is a broad and majestic song in time; it serves as a contrast to the fast, upbeat songs that come both before and after.
  5. Gna, Gna is a very fast, delightful, and humorous laughing-song in time; it builds in volume and speed until the exciting conclusion of the piece.

Part II

Part II has three movements: are “Hov Arek”, “Khoomar”, and “Lorva Horovel”. Approximate performance duration is twenty minutes twenty-three seconds 20'23".
  1. Hov Arek Hov Arek means "come, breeze;" however, on the score Dr. Reed put the translation as "The Peasant's Plea."
  2. Khoomar Reed subtitled this movement as "Wedding Dance."
  3. Lorva Horovel . Reed subtitled it "Songs from Lori."

Instrumentation

Part I

Part II

  • Harp
  • Piccolo
  • Flute I, II, III
  • Oboe I, II
  • English Horn
  • E-flat Clarinet
  • B-flat Clarinet I, II, III
  • E-flat Alto Clarinet
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
  • Bassoon I, II
  • Contrabassoon
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone I, II
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone
  • B-flat Bass Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet I, II, III
  • B-flat Cornet I, II
  • Horn in F I, II, III, IV
  • Trombone I, II, III
  • Bass Trombone
  • Baritone
  • Tuba
  • String Bass
  • Timpani
  • Percussion