This excerpt from the Armenian Apostolic Church liturgy is “Surb, Surb,” the Trisagion (“Holy, Holy, Holy”)’, an ancient hymn chanted as part of the liturgy at worship services. It comes from an album originally recorded in 1970 in commemoration of the centenary of the birth of composer Komitas Vardapet (1869–1935),whose version of the liturgy is one of two in use today. Komitas Vardapet is highly regarded for his musicological studies and his collection, transcription, and arrangement of Armenian folk music. This recording, under the artistic direction of the pianist Sahan Arzruni, includes performers Maro Ajemian, Lucine Amara, Cathy Berberian, Lili Chookasian, Alan Hovhaness, and the Camerata Singers.

Komitas. New York: Diocesan Records and the Komitas Centennial Committee, 1970. Compact disc reissue, n.d. Music Division, Library of Congress (014.00.00)

Used with permission of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

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