A couple of months ago, Tigran Hamasyan presented to the world the first part of an ambitious project full of fantasy, “The Bird Of A Thousand Voices,” Tigran’s much-anticipated new conceptual album. Through the epic song “The Kingdom,” we had the chance to look inside a land full of magic and tradition. Now Armenian composer Tigran Hamasyan has released the second chapter of this magical journey, “Areg and Manushak,” a work that blends traditions and modernity.
“Areg and Manushak” only features Tigran Hamasyan’s amazing piano arrangements intertwined with his and Areni Agbabian’s voices. But far from being minimalist, the song expands like a vast scenario that captures the stunning essence of the beautiful Armenian landscapes and the spiritual nature of the inspiration behind the whole project, the folkloric legend from Armenia of “Hazaran Blbul” or “The Bird of A Thousand Voices.”
This epic legend takes place in a benevolent kingdom, where prosperity thrives under a kind-hearted king and a magnificent garden where one would find all the fruits of the world. However, an ancient curse transforms the people into heartless beasts, and the garden withers. The only hope lies in the mystical song of a bird, the bird that the title mentions. It is a legendary creature with a thousand voices, each one of them infused with divine power. To save their world, the bravest souls must embark on a dangerous journey into the “path of no return,” where they will have to face demons and temptations to find the magic bird and obtain salvation.
Released in conjunction with a compelling documentary-style film directed by Ruben Van Leer, “Areg and Manushak” unfolds over seven minutes, blending music with storytelling that intricately weaves together tradition and modernity. Tigran reflects on how an ancient narrative deeply moved him to compose, revealing the enduring resonance of Armenian heritage in its landscapes and the meticulous preservation of cultural memory through oral and visual traditions.
Listening to an unparalleled song like “Areg and Manushak” while getting to know the story in such depth transforms the video into a marvelous adventure of epic proportions. It is impossible not to feel drawn into the mystery and fantasy behind it. Tigran Hamasyan’s intention has been cleared from the beginning, “resurrecting the story from the ashes,” and he has unquestionably accomplished it so far. If you want to discover a magic experience through music, this is the right song for you. And don’t forget to follow the upcoming releases of Tigran Hamasyan to find out how this story evolves.
