YEREVAN: The Bechtler Ensemble is no ordinary Ensemble: led by Swiss-born cellist Tanja Bechtler, this group performs with great profundity and lyricism as they resoundingly succeed in conjuring The Destiny of Armenia is its Cross, now out on Navona Records. Folk songs like the ones presented on this album always require delicacy and tact, and the Bechtler Ensemble is up to the task. The string quartet arrangements of Armenian folk songs mirror the country’s rich musical heritage: at times reminiscent of Schubert and Dvořák. The complimentary piano and cello duos, on the other hand, showcase the typical harmonies of Armenia embedded in the Western classical style by contemporary female composer Armine Ghuloyan. These pieces offer a stunning glimpse into the soul of a splendid culture, tingling with lyrical melancholy.
Armenian resilience is deeply rooted in history and shaped by survival through persecution and a profound ability to maintain its cultural identity through the music from the past and the present. It is this resilience and overcoming that connects the article and the title of the recording, The Destiny of Armenia is its Cross, as Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official state religion in the 4th century.
Let’s discover Armenia through the power and resilience of the people through their culture from the past to the present.