Thread: Need Music for an Armenian Wedding reception

Any suggestions? Thanks! I meant to write "Need" not "new"!

Did they ask for Armenian music? Unless they asked for it, they probably wouldn't expect you to use it. Most Armenian immigrants in the US aren't from Armenia they're from Turkey and Syria. So Arabic music will probably be your best bet. Depending on the crowd, Turkish music might be offensive, so don't use it unless they ask for it.

You could also check out John Bilezikjian's CDs if you still want to add a pleasant element of surprise. But don't worry about only using Armenian music.

I've performed at many Armenian functions, they're always a great audience. The audiences I danced for were happy that I used Arabic music with several Armenian pieces mixed in, they didn't expect all Armenian music. It might pay to check with the bride or the person who's booked to you to find out their expectations.

• Don't use Turkish music.
• Hars Em Genoum is a lovely slow piece for veil.
• While its not a new CD (1998) 'Near East, Far East' is a great source of Armenian music. Its still available on the net.

.

Have fun.
Aziza in Dubai

"eastern gatherings ", by jim karagozian, .....wonderful!
i do have 1 left in stock, ....hmm, must re order!

Getting ready to put together my set list, the wedding is 2 weeks away. Any other music suggestions? Thanks!

Originally Posted by jewelsdances

Getting ready to put together my set list, the wedding is 2 weeks away. Any other music suggestions? Thanks!

There are a lot of Armenian songs in the AmCab standard repertoire! You may have to listen to several versions to find the right balance between "bellydanceness" and "traditionalness".


Some of my favorites are:


- Soode Soode

My favorite version is on John Bilezikjian's Tapestry of the Dance. It's the beginning of a one-track full routine, though, so you'll have to splice it out.


- Karoun Karoun


- Aman Aman form An Oriental Bouquet by Harry Saroyan.

This is an original composition sung in Armenian, but not an Armenian song, per se. You can read lyrics at:
Armenian-American Music: English Translation of Lyrics for Aman Aman by Harry Saroyan


- Yarus (aka Amen Aravod or Varter)

This is actually an Israeli song "Erev Shel Shoshanim", but it was recorded with Armenian lyrics by a pop singer in the 40s/50s/60s. *PERFECT* veil song.

My favorite version is Yarus by the Middle Eastern Ensemble:
Oasis mp3s, Oasis music downloads, Oasis songs from eMusic.com


You might want to check out the album "Yarus" by the band "Mirage". They play dance-arranged versions of mostly Armenian music:
Yarus mp3s, Yarus music downloads, Yarus songs from eMusic.com

The tracks are long for mixing, but I've had good luck shortening many of them. I especially like Acheret Siroon (Your Eyes Are Beautiful)

I just found out about this CD today on a different thread. I don't have the CD myself so I can't really endorse it. From the clips it sounds kind of old school.

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Ara-Topouzian-Ensemble-Live-Detroit/dp/B00004SSWP]Amazon.com: Ara Topouzian Ensemble: Live From Detroit: Ara Topouzian Ensemble: Music[/ame]

Originally Posted by norma

I just found out about this CD today on a different thread. I don't have the CD myself so I can't really endorse it. From the clips it sounds kind of old school.

Amazon.com: Ara Topouzian Ensemble: Live From Detroit: Ara Topouzian Ensemble: Music

That's a GREAT CD. It has my favorite version of Misirlou on it, plus a really yummy chifti. (At 10:30, it's too long for performance, but I use it for my class warm-up.)

"Hey Vala" might make a good intro or middle section.

I've been loath to use the other tracks because most of them sound like line dancing music to me, and I'm not sure how an audience would react to oriental dance to line dancing music. But it's YUMMY stuff.


Which reminds me: "Mystical Veil" by Mal Barsamian might be a good choice. Not all of the songs are Armenian, but the album has a distinctly Armenian flavor to it.