Armenian Neume System of Notation: Study and Analysis (Caucasus World)

The study of the Armenian system of notation called Khazs (Neumes) is of significance both for Armenian and Byzantine music from a historical and aesthetic point of view. Over the centuries the Armenian people have created a musical culture which is largely inaccessible because of the fact that to this day the medieval notation of this music has not been deciphered. Prof. R.A. At'ayan's unique study based on the abundant manuscript sources of the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Erevan) not only traces the origin and development of this notation system convincingly, but also re-creates the tunes of the numerous chants and songs composed over the centuries.

Robert Arshaki At'ayan was born in Tehran in 1915, son of the writer and translator Arshak Gevorg At'ayan (1877-938). His family emigrated to Armenia in 1922. During the Stalin era of repressions, his father was wrongfully tried and executed in 1938, and was exonerated posthumously in 1955.Young Robert studied music at the Ereven Conservatory. He graduated in 1941 and began teaching in the same institution from 1944. In 1962 he became director of the institute and professor in 1977. His doctoral research on Armenian khaz notation, prepared under the supervision of Professor K'. K'oushnaryan, was published in 1959. Translation and Introduction by Vrej N. Nersessian