AVIAN MOTIFS IN ARMENIAN MUSIC: AN EXPLORATION OF INTERGENERATIONAL MEMORY, TRAUMA, AND IDENTITY IN THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA

Abstract

This thesis explores the theme of birds in Armenian music as it relates to identity, trauma, and commemoration. Based on one year of participant observation and interviews with Armenian Americans, I discuss the relationship between music and genocide commemoration among members of the diaspora in Washington, D.C. and, to a lesser extent, in Los Angeles. I analyze my interlocutors’ interpretations of Komitas Vardapet to learn why he is so meaningful for individuals in the diaspora. I then dedicate much of this thesis to analyzing individual interpretations of Komitas’ song “Krunk” (“The Crane”). I trace the indexical associations the song has accumulated over time to its present-day associations with diasporic identity, the 1915 Armenian genocide, and the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Lastly, this thesis explores genocide commemoration events among the Washington, D.C. area community and music’s role in memorializing trauma and shaping collective identity. I investigate whether these two communities have shared interpretations of songs commonly heard in commemorations or if being in different environments with varying levels of exposure to Armenian language and cultural practices impacts the ways in which community members value these songs.