Image for Komitas (Aram Khachaturian)

Komitas (Aram Khachaturian)

Komitas, born Soghomon Soghomonian in 1869, was an influential Armenian priest, musicologist, and composer who documented and preserved Armenian folk music. His work helped protect Armenia’s musical heritage, especially during times of turmoil. Aram Khachaturian, a notable 20th-century Armenian composer, was inspired by Komitas’s deep connection to Armenian culture and musical traditions. While their styles differ—Komitas focused on ethnographic preservation and spiritual music, Khachaturian on modern orchestral works—they both celebrated Armenian identity through their compositions, contributing significantly to the country's national musical voice.