Komitas/Shah-Mouradian, Garoun/Mair Araxi
Name/Title
Komitas/Shah-Mouradian, Garoun/Mair AraxiDescription
In early 1914, Komitas Vardapet collaborated with Orfeon Records, the first record label established in the Ottoman Empire, to produce a series of significant recordings in Constantinople in the home of Panos Terlemezian on Rue de Pangalti. These sessions featured Armenag Shah-Mouradian, a Paris-trained Armenian tenor and one of Komitas's most accomplished students. The collaboration resulted in 22 recordings, evenly divided between Armenian folk and liturgical songs and European classical pieces. Komitas provided piano or organ accompaniment on all but two tracks. The Armenian selections included patriotic songs and religious hymns, many arranged by Komitas or his mentor, Magar Yegmalian. These recordings were released on a special series of 10.5-inch discs, with labels in French, indicating their international appeal. These recordings are among the earliest audio documents of Komitas's work, capturing his efforts to preserve Armenian musical heritage. They gained popularity not only in Constantinople but also among Armenian diaspora communities, particularly in the United States.Audio Format
78 RPM RecordRecording Type
MusicCategory
Vinyl Record