Douduk - The Sound Of Armenia

Armon Grigoryan and colleagues
Naxos World 76042-2 [57 mins]

Here is a release in the Naxos World catalogue which should give very wide pleasure. The douduk is the quintessentalinstrument in Armenian culture, a seven-holed pipe made of apricot wood, its tone of a peculiarly attractive, mellow character. It is soft, with a slightly nasal timbre, a special unique voice.

The douduk is combined on this selection with other Armenian folk instruments, kamancha, kanoon and oud. The CD is well produced with succint, informative notes, and illustrated with photos of the musicians and their instruments. It makes me keen to explore others in the series. At Naxos's usual budget price, a firm recommendation for collectors interested to explore farther afield.