What Key Is the Hayr Mer in?
by: Meroujan Maljian
The referance to the Hayr Mer
being in the Key of G is not exactly
a mistake. This actually depends on which form of the Badarak you are
considering. The more common form played in most Armenian churches every week is the Egmalian Mass, composed by Egmalian about 150-200 years
ago. Most of the hymns in this mass, including the Hayr Mer,
are in the key of F.
Now, Gomidas himself composed a mass, but this is usually
performed on special occasions. Sometimes, hymns from his mass are
sung within the Egmalian Mass. I believe the Hayr Mer
in this mass, along with most of the other hymns, is in the key of G.
I have found that the choir of St. Vartan's Cathedral of NY are fond
of singing the Gomidas Mass , but aren't they called the
Gomidas Choir? :)
I hope this discussion has helped to introduce
everyone to the riches of Armenian liturgical culture.
If any of you have questions about this feel free to email
Meroujan
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