In memory of Djivan Gasparyan
One Master left the mortal world this week and went to the stars - the Armenian virtuoso of the duduk Djivan Gasparyan.
Everyone who has once touched Gasparyan's music is forever captivated by its cosmic sound. It's as if the melodies came from another, better world. Sad and deep, philosophical and tender, carrying pain and suffering, but also worshiping beauty - such is the music of the virtuoso musician.
We will not quote the biography of the great Armenian, the network is full enough of materials for the long, complex, full of twists and turns life and career of the musician.
Today we share our memories from our live meeting with the magical world of Gasparyan, which took place in 2008 in Sofia. Bulgaria Hall was cracking at the seams, and tickets were bought long before the concert. The traditional buzz before each concert suddenly stopped with the appearance of the musician, and after the first sounds of the duduk in the dim light of the hall, there was not a single person who did not hold his breath before this miracle that was happening live with each of us. Djivan Gasparyan was still a touring musician at the time, even though he was 80 years old. Then, at this concert, which lasted quite a long time, at one point the music stopped for a while and it turned out that the musician did not feel well for a moment. Anxiety immediately gripped the hall in complete silence and we all shivered in anticipation of good news about the musician's condition. A little later, the good news came and we rested. And Gasparyan, instead of retiring to rest, continued the concert and gave himself away. He transported us from place to place throughout his homeland Armenia, and all over the world. His kind, wise, and spirited face glowed and smiled warmly at the end of the concert.
The feeling of touching something sacred and great did not leave us months after this concert. Today we thankfully bow down to the master and teacher Djivan Gasparyan, who will live forever through his music.
From his huge discography today we choose some interesting plays.
The participation of Djivan Gasparyan in the soundtrack to the film "The Last Temptation of Christ", where the music is written by Peter Gabriel.
For the finale we listen to the duduk of Djivan Gasparyan in the wonderful song "Northern Color" from the album of Aquarium and Boris Grebenshchikov from 2002 "Sister Chaos”.
July 2021
©MA
The image is from Gasparyan's album "Armenia: Heavenly Duduk" (Network Medien 1999)
