Search - Djivan Gasparyan :: I Will Not Be Sad in the World

THIS IS ART AT ITS FINEST...

appaloosa | Canada | 01/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is without a doubt the most hauntingly beautiful music I have ever heard. This CD is of such powerful yet understated quiet beauty and grace, that anyone who listens to it cannot help but feel moved by the sheer beauty and emotion conveyed.



In my moments of quiet desperation I have listened to this CD, letting the music comfort me in times of reflection and solitude.



I Will Not Be Sad In This World is a CD that should become mantra for those seeking shelter and refuge from the noisy cacophony and sometimes overwhelming realities of life. This music has such an incredible pull of hypnotic qualities, and of such rare and exquisite beauty - that I find serenity again whenever I listen to it.



The artist Djivan Gasparyan and his music first came to my attention while listening to the soundtrack from the movie "Gladiator". When I heard "Now We Are Free" for the first time, I immediately took notice. I was transfixed; and knew I had found something so unique, so completely unlike the commercial, synthesized Euro-trance music, or hyped-up westernized uber-dance "world music" - that it left me with a yearning to know more about this wonderful artist and his unique musicianship.



His instrument of choice is his duduk - an oboe-like instrument from his native Armenia.



There is something deeply restorative when listening to the music of Djivan Gasparyan. In fact, this album is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the devasting earthquake that struck Armenia Dec 7, 1988. His dedication conveys an enduring theme: through hardship and struggle, humanity will prevail - his message gently defiant: I WILL NOT BE SAD IN THIS WORLD.



The world has given us poets, bards, artists and musicians

throughout history that have inspired and moved us all. Djivan Gasparyan may well our muse to take us into the next century.



This CD is a keeper.



Incidentally, you will have a hard time finding this CD in North America ( I had to order mine all the way from Belorussia). Now out-of-print, this CD was originally released on the Russian Melodya label in 1983 and subsequently carried by the "Landy Star" music company, Russia (www.Landy.ru) - although they too, no longer seem to be carrying this item. You may have success finding this CD on eBAY or a used/second-hand copy from amazon.com, but beware of digital ripped copies, or fakes. See my picture gallery for images of the front, back and inside cover of this CD.



~appaloosa





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MUSIC OF STUNNING BEAUTY

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 11/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music on this recording is produced on the duduk, a traditional oboe-like instrument from Armenia (similar to the nay, used in various areas of the Middle East, such as Turkey or Egypt). It's tone is not as `reedy' as that of its Western cousin - and in the hands of Djivan Gasparyan, considered by most to be the contemporary master of this instrument, it sounds like the breath of life itself. Djivan is accompanied on this album by Vachagan Avakian, who plays a second duduk as a drone behind Gasparyan's melodies.All of the pieces are traditional, arranged by Djivan. His mastery of the instrument, and his obvious love of the music itself, allow him to create sounds that are an effective extension of his very soul. The pieces are quiet and relaxed - this is DEFINITELY not Westernized, danci-fied world-beat music! - but this is not to say for a moment that there is no emotion to be found here. Quite the opposite is true - this is some of the most emotionally evocative music you are ever likely to hear anywhere. The sound is soothing - but if this music doesn't move you to the very depths of your soul, I'll be surprised.This album is unfortunately pretty hard to find today - there's a listing here on Amazon for NOT BE SAD, which could well be the same recording re-issued, but there are no track listings on that page, so I can't say for sure. I've been enjoying this recording over and over since it was originally released in the US in 1989 (it came out in the Soviet Union in 1983) - it's always been one of my favorites. Anytime I play it for anyone else, it never fails to elicit a favorable response.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED RECORDING."

Heavenly

Rose Florek | Portland, OR USA | 12/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the most hauntingly beautiful music I have ever heard. In Gasparyan's music, we feel the height and depth of his spirit, his love and compassion for suffering, and his tender, exquisite joy. All of this settles over us like the gentlest summer breeze. He gives us a glimpse of heaven! We are calmed, healed and lifted. This is the perfect meditation. My all time favorite!"