Armenian Liturgy

The Armenian liturgy is based mostly on the version written by Basil of Caesaria and was later enriched with new items. The Sharagans (religious songs) are based on the tonality of eight modes and are still in use. The most beautiful examples of the Sharagans were composed beginning the 7th century. The “Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians” says: “Armenia possesses a school of church music which ranks among the most beautiful of all the known Oriental styles: the music is of the utmost expressiveness, and in wealth of invention the only school which can compare with the Byzantine, which in many ways it excels.” 

The Armenian liturgy is based mostly on the version written by Basil of Caesaria and was later enriched with new items. The Sharagans (religious songs) are based on the tonality of eight modes and are still in use. The most beautiful examples of the Sharagans were composed beginning the 7th century. The “Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians” says: “Armenia possesses a school of church music which ranks among the most beautiful of all the known Oriental styles: the music is of the utmost expressiveness, and in wealth of invention the only school which can compare with the Byzantine, which in many ways it excels.”