Piano Solo - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1498151
Composed by Traditional Armenian. Arranged by Constance Shelengian. Folk,Multicultural,Traditional,Wedding,World. Score. 6 pages. Constance Shelengian #1074461. Published by Constance Shelengian (A0.1498151).
For Solo Piano with Guitar chord diagrams.
Traditional dances in ancient Armenia were essential to celebrations, holidays, rituals, social gatherings and more. This medley of Western Armenian music in 10/8 is drawn from the Anatolian song-dance tradition and perpetuated in America. In Sirahar Yem (“I'm In Love”), the Left Hand reinforces the stressed beats within the rhythmic pattern, emphasizing beats 1, 4, and 6. Beats are grouped as 3+2+2+3. Initially, this may be a challenge to play but well worth the effort to expand one’s musicianship skills!
While harmony is sparingly interspersed in the inner parts, or created in intervals of 3rds and 6ths, traditionally, the ceremonial/wedding melodies Candle Dance and Hars Oo Pesa (“Bride and Groom”) are monophonic. Due to the mountainous terrain in historic Armenia and challenge of travel between villages, these two dances exist with different melodies, depending on the region. The dance steps also vary by village.
In contrast, the use of a sustained note (drone) in the bass clef alters the spirit in Hars Oo Pesa where the key also changes to D major. Whereas the piano has limitations in replicating microtones of folk wind instruments such as the zurna used in an authentic Armenian village wedding, the aim in this arrangement is rather to preserve the spirit of the melody and actively engage the amateur pianist.
For more information on Armenian music, refer to : Kazarian, Hachig. (2023) Western Armenian Music: From Asia Minor to the United States. The Press: California State University, Fresno.
