Komitas Had No Connection with Mugham, Did Not 'Clean' or 'Erase' – Museum Responds to Super Sako

In light of the recent public backlash against various unprofessional and factually inaccurate statements regarding the activities and legacy of Komitas Vardapet, the Komitas Museum-Institute aims to revisit certain aspects related to the clergyman's work and legacy that have unnecessarily become subjects of debate.

This announcement was made by the Komitas Museum-Institute in response to the remarks of rapper Super Sako aired on Public Television.

“Komitas is one of the most fundamental figures in the self-identity system of the Armenian people. He was also knowledgeable about Eastern music but had no connection with mugham, did not ‘clean’ or ‘erase’ it,” stated the announcement. “He never aimed to adapt the core of Armenian music for European audiences, but rather wholeheartedly offered authentic Armenian music to European listeners. Furthermore, 'Quarter Notes' were not inaccessible to Europeans, so no kind of music was presented to them through that route.”

On this occasion, the Komitas Museum-Institute is initiating a series of lectures, public discussions, and round-table discussions dedicated to Armenian music and Komitas. The first meeting will take place on May 20, at 16:00 during Museum Night. We will host candidate of art studies musicologist Marianna Tigranyan, who will discuss Armenian ceremonial music and the art of musicology-poetics.