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CD Review
By Raffi Meneshian
Winds of Passion: Divine Liturgy
Garni Records, 2006
The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church is considered the finest example of spiritual music from Armenia. Given its complex melodic structural range, immediacy, and compositional wholeness, it has often been considered the masterpiece composition from Armenian icon Komitas. The thought of even transcribing this essential work to any other instrument would be deemed madness. However, risk-taking and innovation are often words that are attributed to producer and Garni Records label owner Stepan Partamian, who commissioned the Divine Liturgy to be transcribed and recorded for a duduk quartet. Released in early 2006, this CD could be one of the most important Armenian recordings of the last decade.
Given the immense challenge put forth by producer Partamian, he tapped into one of his most reliable brands in the area of duduk work hiring the LA –based Winds of Passion duduk quartet, led by Ruben Harutyunyan. With all four members originally from Armenia, the Divine Liturgy was inherently part of their collective soul. The project took over 14 months to complete while Partamian embarked on a grassroots campaign by raising over $30,000 to pay for the expenses. Asked for his reaction to the music, the controversial producer said that “people who understand music will be blown away, while a more mainstream music fan won’t appreciate this”. In many ways, this is exactly how Partamian likes it. And, in almost all cases, he always presents a quality product. This generous DVD style booklet, liner notes, and photos are elegant and about as good as you get in the business.
In terms of the music, Ruben Harutyunyan has pulled off coup in transcribing this music for duduk. Given that the duduk is the most “Armenian” of all musical instruments, it also has an eerie resemblance with the human voice. The soulful lament and uncompromising dignity of the Armenian spirit shines throughout this recording. While some with astute listening skills may catch a note or two slightly off-key, the cohesiveness and smooth execution of the performance is truly astonishing. Credit players Vardan Harutyunyan, Grigor Harutyunyan, and Gevorg Karapetyan for following the lead of Ruben and creating an atmosphere of pure musical bliss from the first note until the last. Although it is recommended to listen to “Divine Liturgy” by Winds of Passion in one whole sitting, there are several abruptly standout tracks such as “Surb Surb” and “Amen Yeghitsi”. Winds of Passion have reached their artistic pinnacle with their rendition of the Armenian “Divine Liturgy”. The recording is destined to be a classic in any genre.
By Raffi Meneshian
Winds of Passion: Divine Liturgy
Garni Records, 2006
The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church is considered the finest example of spiritual music from Armenia. Given its complex melodic structural range, immediacy, and compositional wholeness, it has often been considered the masterpiece composition from Armenian icon Komitas. The thought of even transcribing this essential work to any other instrument would be deemed madness. However, risk-taking and innovation are often words that are attributed to producer and Garni Records label owner Stepan Partamian, who commissioned the Divine Liturgy to be transcribed and recorded for a duduk quartet. Released in early 2006, this CD could be one of the most important Armenian recordings of the last decade.
Given the immense challenge put forth by producer Partamian, he tapped into one of his most reliable brands in the area of duduk work hiring the LA –based Winds of Passion duduk quartet, led by Ruben Harutyunyan. With all four members originally from Armenia, the Divine Liturgy was inherently part of their collective soul. The project took over 14 months to complete while Partamian embarked on a grassroots campaign by raising over $30,000 to pay for the expenses. Asked for his reaction to the music, the controversial producer said that “people who understand music will be blown away, while a more mainstream music fan won’t appreciate this”. In many ways, this is exactly how Partamian likes it. And, in almost all cases, he always presents a quality product. This generous DVD style booklet, liner notes, and photos are elegant and about as good as you get in the business.
In terms of the music, Ruben Harutyunyan has pulled off coup in transcribing this music for duduk. Given that the duduk is the most “Armenian” of all musical instruments, it also has an eerie resemblance with the human voice. The soulful lament and uncompromising dignity of the Armenian spirit shines throughout this recording. While some with astute listening skills may catch a note or two slightly off-key, the cohesiveness and smooth execution of the performance is truly astonishing. Credit players Vardan Harutyunyan, Grigor Harutyunyan, and Gevorg Karapetyan for following the lead of Ruben and creating an atmosphere of pure musical bliss from the first note until the last. Although it is recommended to listen to “Divine Liturgy” by Winds of Passion in one whole sitting, there are several abruptly standout tracks such as “Surb Surb” and “Amen Yeghitsi”. Winds of Passion have reached their artistic pinnacle with their rendition of the Armenian “Divine Liturgy”. The recording is destined to be a classic in any genre.
posted by Raffi at 7:47 AM
1 Comments:
Thanks for the great review! Greatly appreciated.
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