Homenagem a Djavan [Import]

1. Acai

2. Oceano

3. Meu Bem Querer

4. Flor De Liz

5. Esquinas

6. Seduzir

7. A Ilha

8. Petala

9. Faltando Um Pedaco

10. Luz

11. Sim Ou Nao

12. Fato Consumado

13. Obi

14. Aquele Um

Homenagem a Djavan,Luiz Avellar,Cid,World Music

Average customer rating: Incredible performance excellent masterpiece

Endless Vision Hossein Alizadeh , and Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: World Village ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Iran | Middle East | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Iranian Music: Saz-Eno Without You Faryad The Wind Absolute Quintet ASIN: B000BZ881W Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. Birds
2. Armenian Romances
3. Sari Galin
4. Call of the Birds
5. Mama
6. Shurangiz Improvisation
7. Tasnif Parvaneh Sho

Amazon.com

Any recording featuring elderly Armenian duduk (an ancient, nine-holed shawm-oboe made of apricot wood) virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan is worth treasuring. But this time out, he was heard in particularly august company and under extraordinary circumstances. In September, 2003, the maestro, along with Grammy-nominated Iranian plucked string virtuoso Hossein Alizedeh and a hand-picked group of collaborators, gathered at Teheran's Niavaran Palace. The personnel included Alizedeh's own Hamavayan Ensemble, with Armen Ghazarian and Vazgen Markaryan on duduk and bass duduk, plus vocalists Afsaneh Rasaei, Hourshid Biabani, and Ali Samadpour. Alizedeh is a renowned composer and a foremost living exponent of the tar and other members of the Persian lute family. However, for this recital, he is heard on the six-stringed shurangiz, a relatively recent and notably resonant descendent of that clan. Gasparyan's mature grace ignites Alizadeh's impetuosity as the two men negotiate the highest peaks of passion and inspiration; both are captured at their best and that's saying a lot. But aside from the musical brilliance on hand, the event also constituted a social breakthrough, in which a female singer performed live with an otherwise male roster and appeared before a mixed-sex audience. --Christina Roden

Amazon.com

Any recording featuring elderly Armenian duduk (an ancient, nine-holed shawm-oboe made of apricot wood) virtuoso Djivan Gasparyan is worth treasuring. But this time out, he was heard in particularly august company and under extraordinary circumstances. In September, 2003, the maestro, along with Grammy-nominated Iranian plucked string virtuoso Hossein Alizedeh and a hand-picked group of collaborators, gathered at Teheran's Niavaran Palace. The personnel included Alizedeh's own Hamavayan Ensemble, with Armen Ghazarian and Vazgen Markaryan on duduk and bass duduk, plus vocalists Afsaneh Rasaei, Hourshid Biabani, and Ali Samadpour. Alizedeh is a renowned composer and a foremost living exponent of the tar and other members of the Persian lute family. However, for this recital, he is heard on the six-stringed shurangiz, a relatively recent and notably resonant descendent of that clan. Gasparyan's mature grace ignites Alizadeh's impetuosity as the two men negotiate the highest peaks of passion and inspiration; both are captured at their best and that's saying a lot. But aside from the musical brilliance on hand, the event also constituted a social breakthrough, in which a female singer performed live with an otherwise male roster and appeared before a mixed-sex audience. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Incredible performance.......2007-05-22

The concert recorded on this disc has perhaps the most incredible composition I've ever heard, either in Persian or Western repertoire. Alizadeh's playing is incredible, and the duduk is a haunting and memorable addition. Some parts are very beautiful, others equally sad. The melodies will stay with you for a long time.

excellent.......2007-05-12

both the music and the songs masterfully arranged and performed, emotionally uplifting; strumming the strings of your heart?

masterpiece .......2006-12-22

This is a rare collaboration between legendary Gasparyan and Alizadeh. If you like Persian music you will definitely like this CD. Make sure you listen to tracks 4 and 7 first though!

Average customer rating: Heavenly THIS IS ART AT ITS FINEST... MUSIC OF STUNNING BEAUTY highly recommended

I Will Not Be Sad In This World Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pergolesi - Stabat Mater · Salve Regina / Kirkby · Bowman · AAM · Hogwood Jet Funky Kingston/In the Dark Closing Time ASIN: B000002LHE Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. A Cool Wind Is Blowing
2. Brother Hunter
3. Look Here, My Dear
4. I Will Not Be Sad In This World
5. Little Flower Garden
6. Your Strong Mind
7. The Ploughman
8. Dle Yaman

Customer Reviews:

Heavenly.......2004-12-11

This is the most hauntingly beautiful music I have ever heard. In Gasparyan's music, we feel the height and depth of his spirit, his love and compassion for suffering, and his tender, exquisite joy. All of this settles over us like the gentlest summer breeze. He gives us a glimpse of heaven! We are calmed, healed and lifted. This is the perfect meditation. My all time favorite!

THIS IS ART AT ITS FINEST..........2004-01-30

This is without a doubt the most hauntingly beautiful music I have ever heard. This CD is of such powerful yet understated quiet beauty and grace, that anyone who listens to it cannot help but feel moved by the sheer beauty and emotion conveyed.

In my moments of quiet desperation I have listened to this CD, letting the music comfort me in times of reflection and solitude.

I Will Not Be Sad In This World is a CD that should become mantra for those seeking shelter and refuge from the noisy cacophony and sometimes overwhelming realities of life. This music has such an incredible pull of hypnotic qualities, and of such rare and exquisite beauty - that I find serenity again whenever I listen to it.

The artist Djivan Gasparyan and his music first came to my attention while listening to the soundtrack from the movie "Gladiator". When I heard "Now We Are Free" for the first time, I immediately took notice. I was transfixed; and knew I had found something so unique, so completely unlike the commercial, synthesized Euro-trance music, or hyped-up westernized uber-dance "world music" - that it left me with a yearning to know more about this wonderful artist and his unique musicianship.

His instrument of choice is his duduk - an oboe-like instrument from his native Armenia.

There is something deeply restorative when listening to the music of Djivan Gasparyan. In fact, this album is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the devasting earthquake that struck Armenia Dec 7, 1988. His dedication conveys an enduring theme: through hardship and struggle, humanity will prevail - his message gently defiant: I WILL NOT BE SAD IN THIS WORLD.

The world has given us poets, bards, artists and musicians
throughout history that have inspired and moved us all. Djivan Gasparyan may well our muse to take us into the next century.

This CD is a keeper.

Incidentally, you will have a hard time finding this CD in North America ( I had to order mine all the way from Belorussia). Now out-of-print, this CD was originally released on the Russian Melodya label in 1983 and subsequently carried by the "Landy Star" music company, Russia (www.Landy.ru) - although they too, no longer seem to be carrying this item. You may have success finding this CD on eBAY or a used/second-hand copy from amazon.com, but beware of digital ripped copies, or fakes. See my picture gallery for images of the front, back and inside cover of this CD.

~appaloosa

MUSIC OF STUNNING BEAUTY.......2003-11-26

The music on this recording is produced on the duduk, a traditional oboe-like instrument from Armenia (similar to the nay, used in various areas of the Middle East, such as Turkey or Egypt). It's tone is not as `reedy' as that of its Western cousin - and in the hands of Djivan Gasparyan, considered by most to be the contemporary master of this instrument, it sounds like the breath of life itself. Djivan is accompanied on this album by Vachagan Avakian, who plays a second duduk as a drone behind Gasparyan's melodies.

All of the pieces are traditional, arranged by Djivan. His mastery of the instrument, and his obvious love of the music itself, allow him to create sounds that are an effective extension of his very soul. The pieces are quiet and relaxed - this is DEFINITELY not Westernized, danci-fied world-beat music! - but this is not to say for a moment that there is no emotion to be found here. Quite the opposite is true - this is some of the most emotionally evocative music you are ever likely to hear anywhere. The sound is soothing - but if this music doesn't move you to the very depths of your soul, I'll be surprised.

This album is unfortunately pretty hard to find today - there's a listing here on Amazon for NOT BE SAD, which could well be the same recording re-issued, but there are no track listings on that page, so I can't say for sure. I've been enjoying this recording over and over since it was originally released in the US in 1989 (it came out in the Soviet Union in 1983) - it's always been one of my favorites. Anytime I play it for anyone else, it never fails to elicit a favorable response.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED RECORDING.

highly recommended.......2003-08-02

This music is a rare and exquisite experience, a means of transport to a timeless and beautiful place. I continually used it as background music while writing a novel, and the creative process flowed - enriched, I believe, as a result.

Average customer rating: Haunting and brilliant! This is truly a treasure!

Moon Shines at Night Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: All Saints ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: I Will Not Be Sad in This World Armenian Fantasies Ask Me No Questions Heavenly Duduk Apricots from Eden ASIN: B0009Q0F7S Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

1. Lovely Spring
2. Sayat Nova
3. 7th December 1988
4. Don't Make Me Cry
5. You Have To Come Back To Me
6. Tonight
7. They Took My Love Away
8. Moon Shines At Night
9. Apricot Tree
10. Mother Of Mine

Album Description

Moon Shines at Night is a rich but simple collection of Middle Eastern songs performed by Djivan on the duduk (a reed-like Egyptian clarinet) with two supporting musicians.

Includes newly expanded liner notes!

Customer Reviews:

Haunting and brilliant!.......2007-05-01

I just heard one of Mr. Gasparyan's songs on XM Radio. I purchased this album immediately. You won't be disappointed, every song on this CD is just mesmerizing. Full of emotion, longing, pride, and melancholy. I am absolutely hooked on the duduk now (Middle Eastern type oboe).

If you liked the soundtrack from Gladiator, you will enjoy this CD as well.

This is truly a treasure!.......2006-08-01

This was a refreshingly traditional treat in a world of pop culture domination! Djivan Gasparyan plays some heartachingly beautiful music on this CD. If you close your eyes this music really will bring you back to Eastern Europe many, many years ago to a time where people hadn't forgotten what makes us human. It truly moved me to tears and music, ideally at it's core is about communication. Anything that reminds us of this like this music does is truly worthy of being called a treasure!

Average customer rating: Exquisite and ravishing The Great Old Anew The Armenian soul exposed

Armenian Fantasies Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Network Germany ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heavenly Duduk Moon Shines at Night Apricots from Eden The Art of the Armenian Duduk Ask Me No Questions ASIN: B00004T6Y5 Release Date: 2000-05-09

Tracks:

1. Armenian Suite
2. Kamantcha Blues
3. Armenian Romances
4. Lyric Melodies & Dances For Women

Amazon.com

Few instrumentalists dominate and define their instrument like duduk player Djivan Gasparyan. In Gasparyan's hands, the Armenian oboe (carved from apricot branches) takes on a warm, spiritual tone that sounds at times ethereal, at others spirited. Until now, we've heard Gasparyan either solo or with minimal accompaniment (namely, his collaboration with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook on Black Rock). But on Armenian Fantasies, Gasparyan performs with his largest ensemble yet, a group of 10 traditional Armenian instrumentalists. The results are mesmerizing. On the "Armenian Suite," we get a catchy medley of folksy love songs; "Kamantcha Blues" is a shorter, more introspective work of improvisation; and "Armenian Romances" focuses on the country's more melancholic songs of longing. With each track, we hear the meditative, shadowy sounds of the duduk, along with indigenous instruments such as the tar (lute), kamantcha (fiddle), and kanon (zither) played at their peak. Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite and ravishing.......2005-10-09

Other reviewers on this page have described this recording so beautifully that I won't try to add anything, save to recommend this recording very highly to anyone approaching Gasparyan for the first time, or to those who have found his other recordings too minimalistic or his collaborations too New-Agey.

This series of suites and fantasies is Gasparyan at his very best, composing, improvising and elaborating his sinous melodies in the context of a small orchestra. The effect is an explosion of colours which will surely bring his music to a much wider audience.

The Great Old Anew.......2001-10-17

The wonderful thing about this Gasparyan cd is the ensemble playing. Of course, enough cannot be said about Gasparyan's virtuousity on the duduk, but every single musician in this ensemble is a virtuouso who at the same time plays brilliantly with every other member of the group. The professionalism exhibited on this cd is no doubt the result of these musicians' conservatory training. At the same time, their sound is utterly authentic. The tutti passages are lush, deeply emotional, the solo work is stupendous, the melodies sad and profound, and the four suite arrangements perfectly balance the diverse emotions of the different songs that comprise each suite. I can safely say that this cd actually improves upon the old material, bringing to it elevated professionalism and musical consciousness.

The Armenian soul exposed.......2000-08-10

Djivan Gasparyan is reputedly the best-known musician in Armenia and a virtuoso of the duduk, an oboe-like instrument used mainly in Armenia and neighbouring Georgia. It has a distinctively plangent tone which Gasparyan has usually recorded solo in the past. On this recording, however, he teams up with selected Armenian musicians (each a virtuoso on their own instrument) to form an expert ensemble including kanun (plucked dulcimer), kemancha (fiddle), oud (lute), kemanya (a cross between a kemancha and a cello, indigenous to Armenia), and percussion.

The results are mesmerisingly beautiful, conveying the soulful melancholy of Armenian music more affectingly than I have ever heard before. The style and instrumentation are clearly Middle Eastern, yet distinctive in the way the long melodies wind their sad, gentle way through an improvisatory soundscape. Occasionally there are bursts of dance-like exuberance, but even they have darker tones, as does the brief but lovely song performed by Gasparyan on the first track. In general effect, though not in style, this music has much in common with klezmer, the traditional instrumental music of East European Jews. There is the same haunting nostalgia; even when the music smiles, it is a sad smile that speaks of deeper troubles.

I cannot recommend this recording too highly: for those who already know and love Armenian music, and for those who like Turkish, Jewish or Arab music and are looking to explore further, "Armenian Fantasies" is unmissable.

Average customer rating: An Antti Keisala Comment: But For The Lack of Courage Shockingly, wonderfully human!!!

I Will Not Be Sad in This World Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: All Saints ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Moon Shines at Night Heavenly Duduk The Art of the Armenian Duduk Endless Vision Apricots from Eden ASIN: B000B6ETDC Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

1. A Cool Wind Is Blowing
2. Brother Hunter
3. Look Here, My Dear
4. I Will Not Be Sad In This World
5. Little Flower Garden
6. Your Strong Mind
7. The Ploughman
8. Die Yaman

Customer Reviews:

An Antti Keisala Comment: But For The Lack of Courage.......2007-02-04

Gosh, how there are few albums that take you by surprise, when you know in some peculiar detail the things you are looking for, and find them in strange places and then some more.

I know that I was looking for some honesty, which is a strange occurence in art. By honesty we often mean the lack of irony or ambiguity, any ambivalence or friction. By honesty we often mean soulfulness that is naked and pale, approaching you directly without any preconceptions, without trying to reach your soul too abruptly; it isn't trying, and it lets us make the first steps.

In some ways this is a description of my definition of honesty. To me, honesty is at its purest the sublime form of expression, an integral part of what we find in ourselves. The defining discrepacy here is that I don't need honesty in the performer, I want to find that certain honesty in myself. Following this definition, what I need in the performance is certain space, certain vision, certain ambition. I need my music to reach into all dimensions at once, for it to be so strong I can start seeing myself morphing into the songs themselves.

Now, I was coming for some early Gasparyan hoping I would find something similar to what I feel "I Took Up The Runes" is for Jan Garbarek; an accomplished musician at his best, reaching beyond himself, extending the space around him in ways that must have been unconscious. Must've been, for so remarkable are they. That Garbarek album is amongst my all-time favourites, right there with Peter Gabriel's "Passion" and The Beatles' "Revolver", not to mention the classical sublimes, Rubinstein's "The Chopin Nocturnes", "Preludes" and "Mazurkas", as well as Gould's "Bach: The Art of Fugue", or Pärt's "Alina". These are albums that "contain multitudes"; they are larger than what we can think of them, because whole lives, whole musical strands have been built upon them. They have influenced, just as they have created the whole concept of what it means to be influential by not being overtly self-conscious. Expression because of the need to express, because you cannot no longer contain the feeling in your soul, thus you have to let it out to the world, joining the greater soul.

And of course, then there is the duduk itself. It is a remarkable instrument in my mind, and Gasparyan is a remarkable player. Its sound has all the mournfulness you might expect and wish for, the longing that goes deeper than even the most mournful tenor saxophone could ever go. The depth is amazing, as is the breadth of expression. As for the pieces themselves, these are songs are that have stayed in my ears and on my lips, and I can't think of any greater compliment to a recording artist than saying that listening to this album made me wish to learn to play the instrument myself.

Very, very highly recommended.

Shockingly, wonderfully human!!!.......2006-08-01

I've hunted for quite some time for music that stir my imagination, my heart & my blood and I've found it in Djivan Gasparyan! I would go so far as to classify this as properly 'gothic' if for no other reason than the force at which it pulls on my heartstrings. It's wonderfully traditional (no cheezy synthesizers or new age pop fluff!) and rather than implying the cultural blend of 'world music' it remains incredibly loyal to the region from which it came and paints an amazing picture in one's head of that place. This was my 1st purchase of his work and now I'm going to purchase the rest of it because of this! If you want to really 'feel' then I'd strongly recommend this!

Average customer rating: Interesting Beyond Platitudes Music that Penetrates the Soul Beautiful fusion A Great Collaboration

Black Rock Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Real World ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dream Hybrid Night Song Sleeps with the Fishes Moon Shines at Night ASIN: B00000DCKN Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. To The River
2. Fallen Star
3. Take My Heart
4. Together Forever
5. Freedom
6. Forbidden Love
7. Immigrant's Song
8. Dark Souls

Amazon.com

Djivan Gasparyan and Michael Brook have both made their mark in the musical world as artists that have deep devotion and skill, as well as innovative streaks that can get them in trouble sometimes. They seem to have found an outlet for all of these abilities on Black Rock. Their collaboration is an inspired idea, and through much of this recording the Canadian guitarist and the Armenian duduk (oboe) master and singer find some gorgeous common ground--counterpoints of darkness and light, and conflicts befitting the source and subject matter of their work together. The temptations to studio additions seems to have beguiled them and producer Richard Evans into some rather well-traveled aural clich&eacut;s, however, and a number of the tracks here are lightweight fusions designed for identifiable mood rather than substance. Each musician is a talented individual who has clearly found inspiration in the other, but the translation to disc is uneven, with high moments of beautiful pathos undercut but by just one more easy-to-approach rhythm track. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Interesting.......2005-09-21

If you are dealing with duduk and/or similar instruments, you should buy this. On the other hand, I can say, I think it might be better when I think about the quality of Gasparyan and Brook.

Beyond Platitudes.......2003-11-20

To describe this music is to resort to cliches: ethereal, haunting, mystical, poignant, melancholy, moody. It is commonly acknowledged that the music of the duduk (an Armenian instrument rather like an abbreviated oboe made of -- how curious -- peach root) has a plaintive and slightly nasal sound. Thus the cliches.

Armenian prodigy Djivan Gasparyan is the indubitable master of the duduk. Canadian guitarist Michael Brook is an old hand at collaboration efforts, mingling his "infinite guitar" and ambient effects with traditional music. Bear in mind that Michael Brook productions are so-called "world fusion music". Such albums often offend purist fans of the folk music which they see being warped by electronica. If you can accept the genre, check out this album, which is one of the best representations.

Cliches apart, it is hard to describe the music. It is like the sense of striving and desperation when you remember your homeland in a far away place. It is like the clenching feeling in your chest when someone beloved passes by and you breathe in their afterscent. Or simply breathing an odor you remember, but cannot identify.

In short, it is good mood music. The editorial review was incorrect in saying this production sacrifices complexity to capturing a mood. While not supremely challenging, there are a few layers that teasingly reveal themselves on repeated listening. It is worthwhile music.

Ultimately, the melody of the duduk has the final word. You just have to listen. I cannot tell you -- I'm out of cliches.

Music that Penetrates the Soul.......2003-05-13

The musical connection of the steel guitar and the Armenian duduk provides rare glimpses into unexplored crevices and caverns of the soul. I was surprised at how the lonely sounds of the duduk could wrap and wind around my heart, creating feelings of exhilaration/exaltation, penetrating every cell and fiber of my being. The sounds of the duduk leave an indelible imprint on the heart and mind which remains with you long after the music stops playing. The voice of Djivan Gasparyan adds a rare ethereal dimension to one's awareness and being as it breaks the solitary musical interlude. When I listen to this CD, I am transported to another place in time and space. Djivan's voice resembles the haunting voices of Yiddish and klezmer singers, passionate emotions, love, anguish, memories ... the music evokes this & much, much more. This music is a fusion of the past and present, it is an unexpected tapestry woven from the bass guitar, keyboards, some programming, and of course, the essential ingredient, the master instrument, the duduk. "Black Rock" is named for volcanic landscapes, produced from firey lava, arising from deep within the earth ... so too does this music arise from the internal heat of the the musicians themselves. The sounds soothe us as the instruments, old and new blend together create enchanting, inspiring, timeless melodies.
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Beautiful fusion.......2002-12-03

What happens when two prolific artists of completely different backgrounds are brought together to create new music? The answer is a great new age fusion album with universal appeal. "Black Rock", Djivan Gasparyan and Michael Brook's collaboration effort, can only be described as being outstanding and different.

Michael Brook, the Canadian born electric guitar virtuoso, and Djivan Gasparyan, Armenia' s foremost master of the duduk, meld each-other's personal styles well and take the listener on a unique musical journey that explores Armenian melodies, Afro-Indian rhythms, and pop sounds. The listener is embarked on an emotional journey that spans both light and dark moods; the soars of Brook's "infinite guitar" and the mellow vibes of Gasparyan's duduk are the perfect remedy. "Falling Star" and "Take My Heart" can almost be described as being therapeutic to the soul.

As an added point of interest, fans of Gasparyan will also be happy to know that aside from his work on the duduk, Gasparyan's voice is also showcased on this album. This is sometimes positive but mostly negative addition to the album. Gasparyan's singing sounds be soothing in some tracks, but it's mostly distracting in others. In addition to the sometimes-distracting vocals, another one of the few downsides to "Black Rock" is its short length. Even though each track does have something to offer, the album as a whole only contains roughly 44 minutes of music. Regardless of these few minor negatives, "Black Rock" remains a great album whose music is appealing to both Armenian and non-Armenian listeners.

Tigran Sinanyan

A Great Collaboration.......2002-07-18

This is a great album. Mystical, ethereal and moving. The recording is of outstanding quality and both Brook's and Gasparyan's playing is first class. The album blends two very distinct musical styles - the simple sound of Gasparyan's duduk with the sweeping, otherworldly sound of Brook's "infinite" guitar. Gasparyan also sings on a few tracks and his vocals are mesmerising. All in all, a wonderful album. My only disappointment is that it is too short at just over 44 minutes. At the completion of the album, I was left hungry for more.

Average customer rating: Awakening the Soul with the Duduk It touches the soul Divine Dudak Track 4 is one of the finest pieces of music I've ever heard Forget about the 20th century for a while...

Apricots from Eden Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Trad. Crossroads ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Art of the Armenian Duduk I Will Not Be Sad in This World Heavenly Duduk Armenian Fantasies Moon Shines at Night ASIN: B0000031G8 Release Date: 1996-02-20

Tracks:

1. Tartan Tartan (They Carried Her Away)
2. Erzerum Dance Tunes
3. Marash Dance Tunes
4. Tanoum En Mayrik & Ghazakhi (They Are Carrying Me Away Mother)
5. Yerevan Bagh Em Arel & Yes Poujour (I Have Planted An Orchard In Yerevan / I Am Young)
6. Halay (Folk Dance)
7. Pepo's Song
8. Tariners Antsan
9. Shalako (Folk Dance)
10. Djangyuloum (Divination Song)
11. Sourmaloui Yerk (Apricots From Eden)

Customer Reviews:

Awakening the Soul with the Duduk.......2003-05-13

Amazing how the mellow sounds of this fascinating instrument sound like the Hungarian tarogato ... perhaps they are related. I love this CD! The liner notes tell us the music "is rooted in the Armenian national style of folk and ashough (bardic) music". My favorite tracks are, #2 "Erzrum Dance Tunes" and #3 "Marash Dance Tunes". Each has a unique rhythm introduced and maintained by the double-headed drum which becomes secondary to the purely delightful and rich melodies created by the duduk. Armenian music has prescribed musical modes similar to Turkish music. Magnificent sounds originate from the duduk within the hands of a virtuoso, like Djivan Gasparyan. He plays within a prescribed scale, that allows for new motifs, tonal progressions, and musical phrasing, varying the form slightly with each repetition. I am in love with the "Transcaucasian" music, such as #4 "Tanoum en Mayrik & Ghazakh" which is a wedding medley, described in the liner notes, as a groom's procession to claim the bride and then the bride's farewell to her mother. The second piece in this track is an energetic men's dance. It is a bridge connecting Armenian and Azerbaijani music. #6 is another wonderful piece, "Halay folk dance", which we are told links the traditions of Armenian and Kurdish music. "Shalakho" (#9) is a wonderful production which connects Armenian and Georgian traditional music. The ancient musical roots on this CD go back as far as 301 A.D., when ancient rites of divination were expressed in song and dance, as presented in #10, "Djan gyuloum". Anyone who loves wind instruments and traditional music of ancient lands will derive great satisfaction in listening to this CD. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

It touches the soul.......2002-06-14

Only if my heart could talk..........this is music for the heart; very emotional; brilliant.

Divine Dudak.......2000-10-14

Gasparian is THE dudak player of the world. If you have never experienced the absolute serenety of this instrument, particularly as played in this album, you must experience it! It is unfathomable to me that anyone would not absolutely treasure every note of it. It is a CD that I am always in the mood for as it is very calming and peaceful - perfect to fall asleep to! As the dudak is pkayed, a second instrument holds a constant note. It makes for a very captivating sound. Moon Shines at Night is very similar but Black Rock is much more contemporary yet still fabolous. Does anyone know of an album where Gasparian plays with Armen Chakmakian? Heard it on nabster and would love to get it.

Track 4 is one of the finest pieces of music I've ever heard.......2000-03-05

Djivan Gasparyan is one of world music's "poster boys," and rightfully so. His duduk playing is so astoundingly profound and sincere that I can whole-heartedly say he is one of the few musicians alive that deserves every kind word said about his music. As far as "Apricots from Eden" is concerned, I think it is by far his best recording. I've heard others: "Heavenly Duduk," "Ask Me No Questions," "I will Not Be Sad In This World," and many others (including the one with Michael Brooks--which is the worst one by the way) and can unhesitatingly recommend this one. Not only is Gasparyan's playing superb as usual, but there is an incredible performance by d'hol (percussion) player, Levon Arshakung as well. Arshakung gives Gasparyan's beautiful, hypnotic, meloncholy-sweet melodies a subtle, yet vigorous drive. Track four, "Tanoum en Mayrik & Ghazakhi" is one of the most beautiful tunes I've ever heard. The song is about a bride leaving her household to join her husband's household. It is a song that simultaneously expresses great joy and sadness...joy in celebration of the marriage...and sadness in that the relationship between the bride and her mother will never be the same. Another thing that wins big points for this CD is AUTHENTICITY! Unfortunately the most talked about world music albums are watered-down and modernized. This music is how it would've sounded hundreds and hundreds of years ago...and for that Mr. Gasparyan....we thank you!

Forget about the 20th century for a while..........1999-11-22

Djivan Gasparyan's music helps you to forget that pop music ever existed. Simultaneously calming and haunting, this music is great for prayer, solitude, or listening with a loved one. A real treat for fans of Peter Gabriel's "Passion."

Average customer rating: It's not what it appears to be I never knew classical could sound like this a necessary, and excellent, sampler

Released: 1985-1995 Dumisani Maraire , Astor Piazzolla , Ben Johnston , Steve Reich , Henryk Gorecki , Terry Riley , George Crumb , Arvo Part , King of Navarre Thibault IV , Tigran Tahmizyan , Samuel Barber , Raymond Scott , Anonymous , Michael Daugherty , Jimi Hendrix , Djivan Gasparian , I.F. Stone , Larry Caballero , Patty Manning , John Taylor , and Performer: Kronos Quartet Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by George Crumb | Crumb, George | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Daugherty, Michael | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Górecki, Henryk Mikolaj | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glass | Glass, Philip | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reich, Steve | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Riley, Terry | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Kronos Quartet | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Short Stories Kronos Quartet Performs Philip Glass White Man Sleeps Rosa: The Death of a Composer Early Music (Lachrymae Antiquae) ASIN: B000005J3V Release Date: 1995-10-24

Tracks:

1. Mother Nozipo
2. Five Tango Sensations: Asleep
3. String Quartet No. 4 (Amazing Grace)
4. Different Trains: America - Before The War
5. Quasi una Fantasia - String Quartet No. 2: Arioso: adagio cantabile
6. Salome Dances For Peace: (Excerpt From) The Ecstasy
7. Black Angels: God-Music
8. Fratres
9. String Quartet No. 5: Movt. III
10. A Cool Wind Is Blowing
11. Adagio

Tracks:

1. Dinner Music For A Pack Of Hungry Cannibals
2. How It Happens - The Voice Of I.F. Stone: It Raged
3. Elvis Everywhere
4. Purple Haze

Amazon.com essential recording

For all its wide stylistic span and just plain good listening, Kronos's Released 1985-1995 is problematic in that it doesn't acknowledge the group's decade-long pre-Nonesuch history with so much as a footnote. That aside, Released, which celebrates the first ten years of the group's association with Nonesuch, is like a great mix tape, stringing pop-song-length selections from 11 albums to wonderful effect. It opens with a joyous Zimbabwean cross-cultural composition; segues into a brief tango by Astor Piazzolla; and goes on to comprise classic minimalism (Steve Reich, Terry Reilly, Philip Glass), a broader palette of 20th-century classical (Samuel Barber, Henryk Gorecki, George Crumb, Arvo Part), and work truly unique to the Kronos repertoire (Ben Johnston's arrangement of "Amazing Grace"). A second CD includes a live recording of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze," a catchy rendering of a wacky Raymond Scott hodgepodge, a novelty homage to Elvis Presley, and a selection from Scott Johnson's extraordinary musical setting of readings by historian I.F. Stone. A great starter kit for Kronos newcomers. --Marc Weidenbaum

Customer Reviews:

It's not what it appears to be.......2006-07-17

A sampler should be priced at sampler prices to get you to sample the label or artist, usually around $10. On this set, the first CD is 77 min. but the second is only 23 and mostly worthless, except for the Hendrix piece (Purple Haze) which they claim is unreleased though it appears in nearly identical form on the "Sculthorpe, Sallinen, Glass..." album, released 5 years before this one. The first CD is excellent, however, and merits a $2 marketplace purchase.

I never knew classical could sound like this.......2005-06-22

I bought this CD with no knowledge of what Kronos Quartet was all about. I don't have a sophisticated taste in classical music, with my preferences running more to Copeland, Dvorak, Handel, Barber, and Holst.....accessible music for many people. I bought this to expose myself to a different approach to classical music and for the most part have loved the ride. The track America-Before the War alone is worth the price of the CD....its meditation on a society just emerging with optimism from economic stagnation but simultaneously rushing into war is incredibly powerful.

There are obviously many old favorites like Amazing Grace, Barber's Adagio, and a classic rendition of Jimmy Hendrix. When you listen, though, you will appreciate the diversity of classical music....there's so much more to the catalog than most writers Top Fifty lists.

a necessary, and excellent, sampler.......2000-10-09

I've been aware of the Kronos Quartet since WHITE MAN SLEEPS, but never took the plunge until now. What to do, when they've "released" so many records in the meantime? This sampler is the (near) perfect answer. It contains selections from 10 different albums. This serves both to give a sense of the breadth of the group's work (as well as the breadth of 20th century composition!), and also the flavor of some of their records if you decide to hear more. It is astounding music --RELEASED works as a unified whole, with two exceptions in my opinion, and those are the excerpts from the Reich and Glass albums. I don't like Glass at all, and the Reich piece is underwhelming, so I simply edit those selections out. Most of the other tracks are nothing less than stellar: Johnston, Gorecki, Riley, Crumb, Part, Tahmizyan, and Barber. The second disc ("Unreleased") is where my more serious dissatisfaction lies, and hence only 4 stars. You pay a 2-disc price, but this is not a full disc of music, and only 2 of the 4 selections really bear repeated listening. The Johnson track with sampled vocals by the great critic of U.S. imperialism I.F. Stone is fantastic (in a very '80s style), but the last two pieces are more novelty numbers. With all the material available, the second disc could easily contain many more cuts from the voluminous Kronos catalog. But with that caveat, I recommend this record. It sounds great in its own right, and it works quite well as a sampler.

(Since I wrote the original review I've added BLACK ANGELS, NIGHT PRAYERS, and SHORT STORIES to my collection, and all are superb -- see my reviews of all three, and my "Kronos, Reviewed and Unreviewed" list -- 9/5/04.)

Average customer rating: Beautifully edited but a costly addiction

The Art of the Armenian Duduk Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heavenly Duduk Apricots from Eden I Will Not Be Sad in This World Ask Me No Questions Armenian Fantasies ASIN: B00005R1PZ Release Date: 2001-11-27

Tracks:

1. My Home
2. I Don't Give A Sigh In My Life
3. Brother Hunter
4. You Are A Plughman
5. Call Of A Herdsman
6. I Have A Word With Prayer
7. That Spring
8. I Am Outcast By You
9. Every Morning
10. Splendid Spring
11. Garden
12. Don't Ask Me
13. Waiting
14. Evening Hour

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully edited but a costly addiction.......2003-02-28

The duduk is one of the most interesting wood-wind instruments I have ever heard. So much so, that at the age of 34, I've decided to buy one and learn how to master it. Why?; because when played with skill, it reaches an almost voice-like haunt.

It was recommended that I should try and find one made in Armenia from the heart of the apricot tree.

Enough about me...this album will allow you to experience first-hand why this instrument is growing in leaps-and-bounds in popularity in both wind-ensemble concert, and movie-television soundtrack.

Average customer rating: Made In Heaven

Heavenly Duduk Djivan Gasparyan Manufacturer: Network Germany ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Armenia | Eastern Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Art of the Armenian Duduk I Will Not Be Sad in This World Apricots from Eden Armenian Fantasies Moon Shines at Night ASIN: B00000IMRH Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

1. Menag Jamport Em/Yes Kez Tessa
2. Aravot Luso/Hovivi Kanch
3. Siro Husher-To Eva
4. Ojakhum
5. Nazani
6. Kele Kele, Haberban
7. Havun Havun
8. Kele Lao
9. Dzakhord Orer Gukan U Kertan
10. Kanatsi Par
11. The Wedding Ceremony: Kokh-Songs & Dances

Amazon.com

Djivan Gasparyan has been the primary ambassador of Armenian music to the world in the '90s, including in his collaboration with Canadian guitarist Michael Brook on Black Rock. While the fusions are interesting, this album gets back to the deep roots of the duduk, the Armenian wind instrument of which Gasparyan is an acknowledged master. Accompanied only by another droning duduk or zurna (a reed instrument) and the dhol (drum) and occasionally adding vocals, he explores ancient folk songs and dances, songs of troubadours and sacred music of the first Christian millennium. Gasparyan evokes a deep and abiding melancholy, a passion tempered by sadness. Even with the final piece, a wedding suite where his ensemble plays raspy zurnas and drum, the joyous occasion is marked by a contemplative longing that only toward the end breaks into a rousing dance. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Made In Heaven.......2001-03-16

I first heard the duduk on Peter Gabriel's soundtrack "The Last Temptation of Christ," and fell instantly in love with it. But it was Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" that alerted me to the name of Gasparyan. Exploration of this artist's materials has been immensely rewarding. In "Heavenly Duduk," the mournful strain of this clarinet-like instrument seems to spring from the tragic history that befell the country (of Armenia); and, even in its lighter moments, there is deep sorrow. The vocals - sounding remarkably like the duduk itself - also express the inescapable sadness. The duduk is an amazingly eloquent instrument, despite its limited register.If you wish to be transported to another realm, sample the artistry of this gifted musician.

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