Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - IX. New plans for irrigation. Echmiadzin
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
224 ARMENIA AND THE NEAR EAST
and autumn at this house amid these idyllic surroundings.
When the revolution came he lost everything ; but he had not
the heart to leave his trees and flowers, so now he lived all
the year round in two rooms in the cellar of his former house,
working as a gardener in his former garden. He was present
at the entertainment, and I talked with him ; but no one seemed
to think of him as the previous owner of the house and
garden—he was just one of the employees with the rest.
On the following evening (Wednesday, July ist) there was
a farewell entertainment. It began with a concert, at which
we heard Grieg’s quartette in G minor and several composi
tions of the Armenian composer, Ailex Spenderian. There
were variations on Armenian folk-songs, played by the
stringed instruments, and with the composer himself at the
piano ; then an " Armenian solo " played by a first-rate
’cellist named Aivasian, accompanied by the composer.
Finally, there was a prelude and dance to the words of a poem
by Saiat-Noda (1714-1794), also composed by Spenderian and
played by two violins accompanied by himself. The music
was very pleasing and was well executed. I was told that
Grieg was particularly popular in Armenia, a certain affinity
being found between his music and that of the Armenians.
I could to some extent understand this from what I heard of
their compositions. After the music some folk-dances were
performed by a number of men who delighted everyone by
their perfect rhythm and supple grace. These fiery Caucasian
dances give one a good idea of the energy inherent in the race.
Then came a big supper, the company including the
" Committee for Help to Armenia," university professors,
artists, and many more. There were many enthusiastic
speeches, much good music performed by an Armenian
orchestra, and Armenian songs sung by a talented young lady
and a good baritone. These strange mournful songs were, in
part, old folk-songs which seemed rather like those of Persia.
One was about a victorious Armenian king who was invading
Georgia and had just crossed the river Kura. On the opposite
bank he met a maiden whose brother he had slain in battle.
Stopping his horse, she said : " You conquered my brother
with your sword ; but I will conquer you with my eyes."
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
