Music of Armenia 6: Nagorno-Karabakh

The population of the entire Karabakh republic is less than that of Des Moines, Iowa - slightly under 190,000 people. That so much music still exists there is a tribute to the importance of the arts in the lives of these people. "It was impressive to see that, despite the current problems, the arts continue to be lovingly fostered," Parsons says, "particularly as far as children are concerned." One of the highlights of the journey was the Karabakh Childrens' Choir, who performed with great energy and enthusiasm on tracks 4, 11 and 18. A visit to the Music College in Stepanakert also revealed a hive of musical activity. "I was shown a wooden music stand from a grand piano with a very neat hole about six inches in diameter punched precisely through the center. This was the result of a shell coming through the window."

Fortunately, this unique recording is a vivid reminder of the vitality of Karabakhi culture - a culture that encompasses a strong folk tradition (many of the songs are recent and, naturally, deal with the war and its consequences), that looks back to its Armenian roots (there is even a contemporary song based on the medieval Armenian form called sharakan), and, most important, a culture that thrives in the face of isolation and tragedy.