Page 155 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

156 The Armenian Church

Armenian sacred music was written and
composed by members of the clergy. Perhaps
the most notable composers were: Mesrob
Mashdots, Movses Khorenatsi, Stepanos Su-
netsi, Sahak Tsoraporetsi, Vartan Areveltsi,
Makisdros, G. Erzengatsi, Nerses Lambro-
natsi; among the catholicoi, Sahak, Manta-
guni, Gomidas, Otsnetsi, Kedatarts, Bah-
lavuni, and Nerses Shnorhali have had a
considerable impact on the development of
sacred music. Among the few lay contribu-
tors to the development of Armenian sacred
music were two women who lived in the 8th
Century, Sahakatought Sunetsi and Khos-
rovitought Koghtnatsi. The Church's role in
the sphere of folk music is also noteworthy.
Sayat Nova (18th C.) is considered a great
folk singer and composer. Gomidas Varta-
bed, apart from his important role in the
development of church music, is regarded
the founder of modern Armenian classical
music. In modern times, Archbishop Z.
Aznavourian and other church hierarchs
have contributed significantly to Armenian
church music. Thus the clergy has had a
profound impact on both religious and
secular music as collectors, composers, con-
ductors, and performers.