Arsen Petrosyan’s live duduk concert took place in 2016 in Yerevan, Armenia. His contribution to the popularization of Armenian folk music can hardly be overestimated. Perhaps that is why he is often called the keeper of his people’s musical heritage. Having once chosen one of the most mysterious musical instruments, the artist managed to glorify it. Duduk is an Armenian cylindrical wooden flute, and Western teachings trace its existence over 1500 years ago.
Nevertheless, Armenian musicologists discovered the exact date of birth of the instrument – 1200 years ago. There is only one octave in its range; however, it requires a particular skill of playing. Its dynamics are controlled by constant regulation of lips and fingers. Mr. Petrosyan plays the duduk, and its mysterious sound is accompanied by drums, harp, guitar, and other instruments. During the concert, many listeners fall into a trance at the sounds of this instrument. Arsen Petrosyan has some unique contact with the audience during the show. His overall concert is like an exciting, sad, passionate, nostalgic, and reverent drama.
The gentle oriental tunes now and then alternate with the rhythmic despair of Armenian dance music. The emotional involvement in this music is so strong that even the smallest extraneous noise looks like an unholy desecration of a trusting relationship between the public and the musician. Only at the end of each composition does the silent hall explode with enthusiastic applause, begging the continuation of this magical sound. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and inspired concerts that Armenian people have ever witnessed.
Works Cited
“Arsen Petrosyan – Solo Duduk Concert in Yerevan 2016.” YouTube, uploaded by Arsen Petrosyan, 2016. Web.