Search - Various, n/a, Iakovos Kolanian :: Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar

Various, n/a, Iakovos Kolanian
Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar
Genres: Folk, International Music, Special Interest, Pop, Classical

Track Listings (17) - Disc #1
1. Garoun A
2. Noubar Noubar
3. Nazeli Bar
4. Yaman Yar
5. Sareri Hovin Mernem
6. Yarimo
7. Osanna
8. Shourch Bar
9. Zankezouri
10. Kakavik
11. Manoushaki
12. Vagharshapati
13. Ounapi
14. Marali
15. Shoushiki
16. Hed ou Arach
17. Shoror

CD Details

All Artists: Various, n/a, Iakovos Kolanian
Title: Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Pomegranate Music
Original Release Date: 4/5/2005
Release Date: 4/5/2005
Genres: Folk, International Music, Special Interest, Pop, Classical
Styles: Vocal Pop, Opera & Classical Vocal, Chamber Music
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 634479032042

Synopsis

Product Description

With this recording, Iakovos Kolanian sets a new standard in the interpretation and performance of Armenian music in the Classical idiom. What he presents here to the listener is not an ordinary transcription of this material for the classical guitar but, rather, a meditation on these choice Armenian folk tunes that is the fruit of many years of study, reflection and refinement. Owing to an almost instinctive feel for this music, he bestows each individual piece with a unique touch that has been shaped by his solid grounding in the traditions of the Spanish guitar, his devotion to the music of J. S. Bach and, of course, his natural affinity for Komitas. Aside from his breathtaking virtuosity, however, it is ultimately the musical refinement and emotional depth that distinguishes Kolanian's playing. The gems that he has created with this recording deserve to be treasured, and are sure to become a reference, for many years to come. -Kevork Imirzian

CD Reviews

Hauntingly Beautiful Music Played By a Guitar Virtuoso

MarchHare | Boston, MA | 09/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Iakovos Kolanian has made the best recording of Armenian music I've heard in ages: sensitively nuanced, faithful to the melody, and exquisitely executed. So much of what's being recorded now as "Armenian" music is unrecognizable, and just sounds Middle Eastern and heavy on the drones (maybe because it's being produced by Eastern Armenians, who don't really even speak the same language, so it would stand to reason that their music sounds different as well), but this CD is truly beautiful, and each song is clearly recognizable. (He does not sacrifice melody to the drone!) His superb skill on the guitar enables him to express any emotion with a delicacy quite unmatched - well, to be fair, Djivan Gasparyan's recordings on duduk are also hauntingly beautiful and expressive (and he's from Eastern Armenia, so obviously they're not ALL drone-crazed - maybe it's just a matter of taste). Anyway, I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves beautiful music played on a classical guitar by a master of his instrument. You don't need to be Armenian to appreciate this; the beauty of the music stands on its own, and the more so when it's interpreted with skill and subtlety, as it is here.

(By the way, "various" is just wrong: the (unique) artist is named IAKOVOS KOLANIAN.)"