Arshak Brutyan

Biography

Arshak Brutyan, born on October 3, 1864, in Karaberd, Armenia, was a prominent musician, pedagogue, songwriter, and choirmaster. He is also the father of the painter Gevorg Brutyan.

Brutyan graduated from the Gevorgian Seminary of St. Etchmiadzin in 1888 with excellent grades. He then returned to Alexandropol, where he taught in various schools and collected around 500 folk songs in 1895. He also recorded pastoral and spiritual songs and created and led choirs. Brutyan played a crucial role in spreading polyphony in Armenian musical life and published a textbook on Armenian church recording in 1890.

His efforts significantly contributed to preserving the folk songs of Shirak, which were known for their colorful and multi-styled characteristics. Notable songs included "The song of brave Arabo" and "The song of Kosto from Bayazeth." Additionally, he started public folk concerts in Alexandropol and was the first to introduce four-part singing in Armenia.

In 1903, Brutyan furthered his education at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. He was also known for his drawing activity, creating portraits and icons of notable figures.

Drawing Activity

Brutyan was the author of portraits and icons of figures such as A. Mkhitaryantsi, Garegin Levonyan, and T. Antikyan.

Memory

The music school N4 of Gyumri is named after Brutyan, honoring his significant contributions to Armenian music.

Testimonials about Arshak Brutyan

Arshak Brutyan started public folk concerts in Alexandropol, was the first to go on stage with his groups wearing national taraz (Armenian traditional dress) and, most importantly, contributed to the spread of four-part singing. He was one of the first figures to instill and spread polyphony in Armenian musical life.

Margarit Brutyan, musician

Works

• Textbook of Armenian church recording, Vagharshapat, 1890.
• Plebeian murmurs (recorded collection), E., 1985. (introduction and notes from M. Brutyan).

References

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