ARMENIA: Goussan, Armenian troubadours - Mouradian, Gaguik

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Gaguik Mouradian and the Goussan Ensemble revisit the traditional poetic and musical heritage of Armenia, in the image of the itinerant musicians that have nurtured the musical life of the Caucasus since the middle-ages. Originally, the goussans were linked to pagan religious ceremonies and the resurrection of such gods as Mourane, the mother of the Armenians, and her son Guissané - from whose name goussan would be derived. In 17th century these bards were called “ashik”, from the Arab word “ashough”, meaning enamoured.