Gurdjieff Ensemble – Zartir (ECM Records, 2023)
The Gurdjieff Ensemble’s latest offering is Zartir. The album’s title is derived from the works of Paghtasar Dpir, a distinguished Armenian poet and musician of the 17th century.
This comprehensive set, curated by the Gurdjieff Ensemble, traverses a wide range of musical expressions, encompassing new interpretations of G.I. Gurdjieff’s compositions, sacred hymns, and prayers, alongside pivotal works from prominent figures spanning three centuries. Among these luminaries are the renowned ashughs (bards) Sayat Nova and Jivani, whose artistic legacies continue to resonate profoundly in Armenia and beyond.
Notably, Sayat Nova, immortalized in Sergei Parajanov’s seminal film “The Color of Pomegranates,” emerged as a seminal figure in 18th-century ashug tradition. His work, characterized by its secular nature, brims with romanticism and philosophical depth, exerting a lasting influence across the Caucasus region and elsewhere. Elevated to the highly-regarded position of Royal Musician and Poet by King Heracles II of Georgia, Sayat Nova’s multifaceted compositions transcended linguistic and cultural barriers, earning him widespread acclaim.
Central to the Gurdjieff Ensemble’s artistic ethos is the profound spiritual legacy of G.I. Gurdjieff, whose teachings illuminate the inherent fragmentation of human consciousness and advocate for a transformative journey towards heightened awareness. Rooted in his extensive travels across Armenia, the Middle East, and various corners of Asia and Africa, Gurdjieff’s musical repertoire reflects a diverse array of folk traditions and sacred practices, offering a window into the multifaceted world of human experience.
The ensemble’s meticulous arrangements, helmed by Levon Eskenian, breathe new life into these timeless compositions, rendered with exquisite authenticity and skillfully performed on traditional instruments. Evoking a sense of enigmatic allure, their music oscillates between rhythmic vigor and poignant introspection, weaving a captivating narrative that resonates on a profound emotional level.
In addition to their scheduled performances, the prospect of presenting Parajanov’s cinematic masterpiece alongside the ensemble’s music present a compelling opportunity. Furthermore, collaboration with the Parajanov museum to curate exhibitions showcasing the visionary artist’s works promises to enhance the immersive experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interplay between music, film, and visual arts within the context of Armenian cultural heritage.
Renowned globally, the Gurdjieff Ensemble includes eminent musicians from Armenia, proficient in the mastery of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional instruments. Founded under the stewardship of Levon Eskenian, the ensemble embarked on a mission to interpret the piano compositions of G.I. Gurdjieff and Thomas de Hartmann with utmost ethnographic fidelity. Over time, their repertoire has evolved expansively, encompassing a diverse array of musical traditions. This includes the timeless melodies of Komitas, evocative strains from the Middle East, as well as venerable selections from ancient and medieval Armenian folk and spiritual music. Additionally, the ensemble explores the rich tradition of troubadour songs from the Caucasus, compositions curated by Bela Bartok, and embraces contemporary works by avant-garde composers.
The ensemble’s first albums, Music of Georges I. Gurdjieff and Komitas, released under ECM Records, garnered widespread acclaim, earning accolades such as the prestigious Edison Award in the Netherlands. Their artistic endeavors have taken them on an extensive touring journey, captivating audiences in nearly 150 cities across 26 countries spanning Europe, Australia, Russia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Gurdjieff Ensemble members: Levon Eskenian, arranger, artistic director; Emmanuel Hovhannisyan on duduk, zurna; Avag Margaryan on blul, zurna; Armen Ayvazyan on kamancha; Aram Nikoghosyan on oud; Meri Vardanyan on kanun; Vladimir Papikyan on santur, vocals; Davit Avagyan on tar, saz; Mesrop Khalatyan on dap, dhol; Norayr Gapoyan on duduk; and Eduard Harutyunyan on tmbouk, cymbals, bell.
Buy Zartir.
Author: Douglas Sanders
