Nazani by Sayat Nova (1712-95) Baroque version with Hamza Namira
Arranged for and with Hamza Namira by the group, broadcast on Al Araby TV in November 2019.
Nazani is an Armenian love song by the poet Sayat Nova (1712-95). His main language was Armenian but he also wrote in Georgian, Azeri and Turkish.
#sayatnova #armenia #hamzanamira #mandolino #theorbo #chitarrone
The premise of his ’Remix’ programme is that Hamza Namira selects a middle-eastern song, explores its background then brings together a group of musicians to record and perform it. He always seeks a different approach to performance. I was asked to create this group, drawing on my experience of historic music and as this is an 18th century work I chose a baroque line-up.
The lyrics to the whole song in English...
Nazani - (Graceful One)
You are a nymph who takes hold of the ship,
Because you seized me with deception, Nazani.
East, West, South and North,
There is none like you, Nazani.
Because of love for you, many men might be unfaithful.
Come,