The Duduk and National Identity in Armenia
By (author) Andy Nercessian
Publication date:
28 August 2001Length of book:
144 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810840751
The book is an outline of the Armenian duduk, a cylindrical double-reed aerophone made of apricot-wood, and its relation to the Armenian identity. It attempts to deepen our understanding of musical instruments not only through an examination of musical and constructional features, but also through the application of a sociocultural framework which allows a theorization of the idea of the instrument as social being.
The discussion is centered on the different contexts in which the duduk is played. These are divided into two categories: solo and ensemble. Solo duduk performance includes the remarkable phenomenon of Armenian funeral music activity. Other contexts include special celebrations of national culture, duduk competitions, the recording studio and the film music studio. The main ensemble contexts of duduk performance are the Armenian folk orchestras. These are essentially Soviet creations designed to "advance" folk music. Their impact on folk music and folk musical life on Armenia is discussed with special attention to the "adjustments" which were necessary for the success of this institution. Folk ensembles have long been emblems of Armenian national culture which might explain how they have survived the collapse of the Soviet Union and its Marxist-Leninist policies which were these orchestras' very raison d'être.
The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in organological theory, Armenian culture, or world music.
The discussion is centered on the different contexts in which the duduk is played. These are divided into two categories: solo and ensemble. Solo duduk performance includes the remarkable phenomenon of Armenian funeral music activity. Other contexts include special celebrations of national culture, duduk competitions, the recording studio and the film music studio. The main ensemble contexts of duduk performance are the Armenian folk orchestras. These are essentially Soviet creations designed to "advance" folk music. Their impact on folk music and folk musical life on Armenia is discussed with special attention to the "adjustments" which were necessary for the success of this institution. Folk ensembles have long been emblems of Armenian national culture which might explain how they have survived the collapse of the Soviet Union and its Marxist-Leninist policies which were these orchestras' very raison d'être.
The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in organological theory, Armenian culture, or world music.
Andrew Nercessian seems in a unique position to advance the true cause of this instrument. He has penetrated the roots of its current practise and history in Armenia in a beautifully thorough and balanced manner, interspersed with entertaining and fascinating accounts of his experiences as musician and researcher. His writings go a long way to understand the relation between musical perceptions between cultures. I strongly recommend musicians of all persuasions to have this book on their shelves before it's too late.