Kef

Armenia is a singular nation in possession of a uniquely preserved culture, perched high in the Caucasus mountains with an ancient history. Despite being surrounded by powerful and influential neighbors, Armenia is largely homogenous and preservation of its rich history is prioritized and show up in its artistic communities. Serenade with a Dandelion is a follow up to violinist and curator Movses Pogossian’s Modulation Necklace, also featuring exclusively Armenian repertoire (FCR244), and chronicles a rich contemporary lineage of chamber music and works for voice. Pogossian has organized the four discs of Serenade with a Dandelion by instrumentation — the first and third CDs highlight chamber music without piano, the second focuses on art song, and the last on music for piano, mostly featuring solo works but closing with a work for piano trio. Throughout this collection of music spanning nearly a century, one hears several aesthetic continuities. Several of the pieces use folkloric material as their thematic basis, there is a frequent reliance on modal pitch material drawn from the harmonic minor scale, melodic ornamentation especially in melismatic figures is employed frequently, and there is a consciousness of balancing trends within a larger community of concert music with the preservation of an Armenian musical identity. Pogossian and his performer colleagues deliver committed, heartfelt performances, projecting a strong connection to this repertoire.