“World Music Expo” & “Grammy” Nominated Armenian Legendary Musical Instrument

Womex (World Music Expo) Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2002 and Grammy in 2007 nominated Djivan Gasparyan as an Armenian national hero, created cross-cultural collaborations with many legendary musicians and composers. By him Armenian Symbolic Musical Instrument obtained worldwide popularity in Show-Business.

One of the wholly Armenian oldest and traditional musical instruments in the world, its redolent, colorful character and warm sound that bring just enjoyment or sadness is Armenian wood-wind musical instrument - duduk! All over the centuries, the Armenian duduk has passed through to many adjoining countries and today different versions of the Armenian duduk can be found in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Persia, also named differently.

Magical Armenian duduk has been particularly developed to bring a warm, flexible character.

Over the years the unique technique of duduk making has been applied in Armenia: an apricot tree lumber was used, while other countries always use other wood.

The Armenian duduk is perpetually played with addition of a second duduk-“dum”, which gives the music a force and stimulant atmosphere, harmoniously with the principal duduk. The duduk is also typically being an adjunct with “dhol”. The dhol is known as its positive Armenian dance rhythms. However, even when the duduk plays lament, the gentle touch of the dhol provides a suitable background.

Armenian duduk has truly become a part of daily life in Armenia. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that no wedding ceremony, festive occasion, or family gathering would be complete without a duduk player. The duduk has been used in many western movies; particularly it has been used in film soundtracks for "The Last Temptation of Christ", "The Crow", “Gladiator”, “Titanic” and "Ronin".

Only one oldest musical instrument in the world can talk with you, entertain and amuse you, can also get you into deep meditation – ARMENIAN MAGIC DUDUK!

WHY SHOULD EVERYONE LEAST ONCE VISIT ARMENIA?

There are numerous impressive and memorable sites in Armenia. However, every single visitor will forever remember the most majestic and the noblest scene in the world, the fabulous view of Holy Mount Ararat.

Every Christian must see the Ararat at least once in his life. The Bible says about this mountain: “And on the seventeenth day of the seventh month the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Genesis, 8:4). During the great flood, after floating on waters for 150 days, the Noah’s ark stopped on Mount Ararat. And on this very day, the human race was granted a second birth in Armenia: on Mount Ararat. And this very fact makes both Ararat and Armenia a holy place.

Many scientists and researchers have tried to find the ark. And for this purpose Ararat has been photographed from satellites. Many interested facts have been discovered and they indirectly confirm the existence of the ark. In any case, many puzzles here will one day get their answers.

Mount Ararat has been the source of inspiration for many poets and painters with its matchless beauty.

Although the Ararat Mountain is not in Armenian territorial borders, but the best views of the Holy Mountain are from Armenia. The big mount of Ararat Armenians call Masis, and the Small Ararat is called Sis.

All tours in Armenia “include observations of Ararat” from Ararat plateau, from Yerevan city and suburbia, as well as from many hotels, apartments and residences (mainly from Norq district) that gives wonderful views of the mountain.

One of the best observation posts for the mountain is R. Israelyan’s memorial “Masis temple”. This arch is located on the way the Garni, and from this post you have enjoy the unique view of Ararat and Ararat Plateau. On the arch the words of famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Chartents are engraved: “Pass over the world, you will not find the top whiter than Ararat’s, like unreachable praise way, I love my mount of Ararat”. The monument can be visited during the tour to Garni temple.

There is a beautiful view to Ararat Mountain from Khor Virap. The Holy place of Armenia Apostolic Church and pilgrims, Khor Virap is located close to the border with Turkey, on a hill. For the whole way from Yerevan to Khor Virap, the mountain is escorting travelers, creating an impression like it is inviting you to visit.

You can choose any tour that will give you a wonderful impression, but, however Ararat view will be the most memorable one.