Armenian songs
Here the viola sings songs that Tigran Mansurian originally composed for medium female voice.
Mansurian adapted the songs for mezzo-soprano and piano, composed in 1967 and based on verses by the 16th century Armenian folk singer Nahapet Khutschak, for the famous violist Kim Kashkashian's instrument. The texts of these old love songs - in German and English - help to convey the mystical quality of the simple melodies. The emotional content of each note should be carefully entered. The piano accompanies with large-scale sounds.
Born in Lebanon on January 27 (Mozart's birthday!) in 1939, Mansurian returned to his native Armenia with his parents in 1947; he studied in Erivan, where he became a lecturer in music analysis and new music. Initially attracted by Boulez's complicated musical style, over time he developed a simple, almost liturgical style, influenced by the traditions of Armenia.
Tigran Mansurian, Four Hayras, for viola and piano, Bel 422, € 11.99, M. P. Belaieff (Schott), Mainz 2014
