Alexander Arutjunjan

Armenian Scenes

The four movements which comprise 'Armenian Scenes' are pictures of Armenian life: 'Morning Song', 'Drinking Song', 'Song of Grief', 'Wedding Procession' illustrate the cultural settings and traditions of this southern people, who have been seared by their dramatic history, but have always arisen from the ashes once more. These 'Armenian Scenes' were created at the request of Sam Pilafian, American tubist from Boston (MA, USA) of Armenian descent, and were premiered in 1984 by the Empire Brass Quintet in Cambridge (MA, USA). Various recordings of this work are available. The work was a set piece at the 3rd International Competition for Brass Quintets in Narbonne, France, in May 1990.