The Music Of Armenia Vol. 2: Sharakan

This collection is a truly beautiful and eye-opening treasure of non-Western medieval liturgical works from an established Christian tradition. Through Christianity, Armenia shares a common musical origin with Europe, especially in choral works for works of the established church. Due to geography, culture, and the pre-Medieval split of the Armenian Church from the Roman Catholic, Armenia is foreign and nearly Eastern. The musical result is a treasure, at times an unearthed gem of familiarity, springing as it does from the same basic form as European cathedral sources, and then siren calls of exotic charm. Portions sound as if right out of Gregorian songbook. The similarity cannot be denied. The exquisite production invites back to a Middle Ages monophone recital. In a powerful and moving delivery, the Sharakan Early Music Ensemble backs a cavalcade of Armenian guest artists. Take note of the impressive, pure soprano that is Anna Mailan. ~ Tom Schulte