What Makes Tigran Hamasyan SO GOOD?!!

Inside the world of Tigran Hamasyan, featuring Evan Marien (bass) and Arthur Hnatek (drums).
Thank you to Elbphilharmonie for help facilitating the interview.
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[@da-hn]

This feels like a great trailer for a 2 hour documentary on Tigran

[@iJiggsy]

There's actually a wonderful documentary by Adrien Rivollier called "TIGRAN" that goes even more in-depth about his process and his connection with Armenian Folk Song - definitely worth checking out!

[@terrarium_minded]

Yes. More

[@EpsilonAD]

A musician I have loved since seeing him perform in Vancouver around 10 years ago. Such unique flavours so beautiful presented with the unexpected spice I love to hear.

[@punxOiOi13]

Tigran is such a phenomenal composer! So cool that you got a chance to talk to him!

[@NahreSol]

Yes it was incredible to witness him in person!!

[@arunkarthikma3121]

Go Nahre!!!!

[@Peculate]

Tigran Hamasyan is without a doubt one of the greatest musicians of this generation. Thanks for this great tribute to his brilliant work!

[@rodrigo_ramoss]

Tigran's style is very unique, I hope more people get to listen to his work

[@NahreSol]

I agree!!!

[@aaavakian]

Tigran is actually the one that inspired me to start my musical journey. After several months of listening to his music and watching him play, I bought an Armenian instrument and started learning it. Afterwards I moved towards piano, improvisation and composition. It’s crazy how much influence he had on my life overall. Nearly 6 months ago I was for the first time on his live concert. And the idea that was shouting inside my mind was - here is the power of authenticity. Here is what true Greatness means. When a person finds himself and expresses in his own way, that’s what happens. Inspiration is just flowing from him. The crowd was going crazy, yelling from emotions and witnessed masterpieces. It was such a gift to see two musicians that I admire in the same video talking to each other. Thank you Nahre! ❤

[@Never_Bland]

What armenian instrument did you buy?

[@aaavakian]

@@Never_Bland I started from one called “shvi”, it’s similar to a recorder.

[@iseetheendisnear2416]

I never thought I'd see two of my fave musicians meet. Historic moment, right here

[@machinate]

I find it really fascinating how Tigran has such a distinctive melodic language - in particular the enclosures he does are so UNIQUELY Tigran. In a universe where you sometimes feel like every melody's already been played, I'm really happy to have people like Tigran to prove us wrong.

[@pauldeck4500]

Evan Marien nailed it: It's about freshness. Music that stays fresh over time.

[@TheKatieBusby]

I’ve been listening to him for 10 years and just got to see him live this March in for the first time!! I drove 5 hours to the concert but it was well worth it! I got to stand front row right next to the piano in the perfect spot to watch all three of them play. Honestly I couldn’t have imagined a better concert 🖤

[@MooImABunny]

I'm so jealous that you got to meet Tigran! He's truely a once in a generation kind of person. and somehow he's such a modest and kind person. He makes you feel so many emotions, paints with colors you didn't even know existed. He can make the prettiest little melody, the harshest most jagged rhythm and disonances, make every jazz lover do the stank face. I've seen Tigran live twice, each show had a completely unique set, I hope I'll get to see him play again soon. also, Yogev Gabay mentioned 😁

[@Noiretranquility]

I believe his still to reach his full potential, I've been Tigran's fan for over a decade

[@eliotmccann2589]

Genius. An extraordinary mind composing some of the most exquisite music.

[@NahreSol]

Agreed!!

[@ArinMelik]

Tigran Hamasyan is a GREAT musician❤🇦🇲thanks for this video it was great

[@guyb7005]

Why am I only now learning the richness of Armenian artists like Tigran? There seems to be a current surge in Armenian artists coming to the front. Thank you for introducing me to this brilliant composer!!

[@NahreSol]

So glad to hear!! Thank you for the comment!

[@AlanBlackman]

Yes! Check out Vardan Ovsepian too

[@XxImaFunGuyxX]

I swear, Mockroot is an album I can listen to front and back ❤️❤️❤️

[@02khal]

Tigran's complex harmony and rhythm virtuosity isn't mere musical flexing, but always seems to follow a quest towards a deeper truth, and that makes it deeply relatable and true to our ears

[@YotamIshay]

I got to play for Tigran in a workshop he did at Berklee. Playing for him was cool, but the more exciting thing was to closely watch the way he was building a solo - Pacing.

[@JamesHunterRoss]

Tigran! He takes my breath away when he plays. (That mountaintop Vadavar is just pure joy! I go there when I want to feel good.)

[@jono_young_music]

Whenever I hear him play, I hold my breath…no idea why, but i think that’s what breathtaking actually means 🎧

[@lucascastro4165]

I watched him live and it was the best show I ever saw

[@jazzhead394]

Drip with the Berklee choir is unbelievable. Excellent video!

[@caerbenogg]

I love him! New album will be fire!

[@Portia...]

I❤ TIGRAN....MAESTRO DI ARMONIA, CREATIVITÀ E SENSIBILITÀ❤ GRAZIE PER QUESTA BELLA INTERVISTA🎉❤

[@Bebopopotamus]

My favorite musician and composer alive

[@Daniel_Berry]

Very cool interview! I've been a huge fan of his for ages. His harmony is so inventive (eg. the start of "The Year Is Gone" has some interesting changes with smooth voice leading) and the syncopated rhythms are often very fun to play (eg. Ara Resurrected). His new single "The Kingdom" is incredible too!

[@goneaerial41]

Tigran is genuinely one of the most important artists performing today. I was fortunate enough to attend one of his shows in Amsterdam recently and it was mind bending. Glad to see him getting the props he deserves.

[@drinianking4868]

I love finding new artists. This is awesome 😎

[@loszwillos]

Thanks for your well made short documentary about Tigran Hamasyans music. It´ll help to make his audience bigger, which is highly deserved....

[@andycordy5190]

Very enlightening. Thank you. I'm reminded of Bartók's Mikrocosmos (c# m scale over g m. 8' 37")

[@jan1080]

I went to Nattjazz in Bergen in 2011 to see Al Di Meola. In the room across the hallway, this crazy young pianist played the most amazing things I've heard. He started a bit before Di Meola, so I went to watch him. Pretty much missed half of the concert I came to see, as the pianist blew me away. All I could remember, was that his last name was unusual, and that he played odd meters amazingly. Found out today it was Tigran Hamasyan. To this day, it has been one of my most cherished concert experiences. Amazing musician!

[@Ermude10]

This is such a precious interview! I'd love to see and hear more of you analysing Tigran's music Nahre! It's endlessly unique and fascinating!

[@DexterPiano]

That was really great !!! Thank you !! I had the chance to see 2 times Tigran in Jam sessions in France, and it was incredible each time !! He is one of the greatest of our times ❤🎹🙏

[@ThePianoFortePlayer]

Awesome collaboration

[@NahreSol]

Thank you so much!

[@PVSH97]

My two favorite composers! Great video and nice to see such brilliant minds together!

[@CriticalofOnions]

This is such a cool thing that you were able to sit down and talk with him about his processes. While there's a good amount of analysis online explaining his rhythmic motifs and whatnot, hearing it from him feels like we're peering behind the curtain a little bit, and I don't really see this type of detailed explanation in any other interviews with him. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@brycewalburn3926]

Great interview. Great video. Amazing musician!

[@lacrimis_solis]

I absolutely love his work 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@NahreSol]

Me too, it’s amazing!!!

[@julianmanjarres1998]

You should date him

[@sandiyy]

Heyy, thanks for getting that talk and not focusing on the math bits only - it's the other things that blow me away. I couldn't think of a better person to get this interview off of Tigran. He changed music for me. If you haven't gotten the chance yet, please give the 3rd track of Luys i Luso - Ov Zarmanali (Var. 1), a listen. I've never heard someone accompany a choir as though they were the air between the choristers. And the solo, man, the solo.. It's 13/8 but it sounds like infinity.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing and introducing Tigran Hamasyan to a wider audience, I had never heard of him before, but I already love what he does.

[@CatrinaDaimonLee]

tigran is one of my new favs good young composer great influences he has very similar to mine

[@gurkenhamster]

Niiiicee! Been a fan of him since Mockroots

[@NahreSol]

Same!!!

[@MotifMusicStudios]

What a special introduction to this epic amazing pianist. Thank you.

[@MotifMusicStudios]

Your analysis and ponders are also equally filled with depth and insight!

[@robinlydian4452]

He and the band are an absolute pleasure to see live! I feel so lucky that he regularly includes Canada on his tours

[@Arycke]

Levitation 21 is my favorite piece from him and co.

[@polyphony250]

Another long time fan checking in. Tigran deserves so much more recognition!

[@fedevento]

amazing!!! next brad mehldau!

[@user-ny2bx8ez1c]

You just can't miss with Nahre's insights and interviews. I always learn something new.

[@Eddtech9]

I cried at the end of the video. Felt like this could go on forever!

[@timbruer7318]

I love Tigran's spirit, and this is great, I just wish it went on longer.

[@oscargill423]

I'm a simple man: I see Tigran, I click; I see analysis, I like.

[@GrumpyOldGuy777]

Finding this channel is a gift. Thank you.

[@HDPERFORM]

Thank You Nahre. More.

[@SamChaneyProductions]

I've been obsessed with Tigran since I heard him on a NY college radio station on my first drive to Austin in 2012. Glad he's starting to get the recognition he deserves

[@trukapipa]

Wonderful video. Nahre, you use the internet like you play the piano, bringing into focus some really cool stuff that is happening in the music you play and the musical world you live in, and showing us how you unravel it bit by bit. Fascinating. Thank you!

[@Goreburger.]

This is real music. You may not like it on the first try but you will never get tired of it.

[@RemyLuciani]

Tigran is an outlier, he has such a unique style. Lucky you to have spent some time with him huhu!

[@dclarkmusic]

I think his stuff has a lot of heart and playful melody that makes it not just a bunch of complicated rhythmic exercises or something. Really amazing writer and player!

[@iJiggsy]

Tigran has such a unique language and you did such a fanstastic job of representing all of the different things that make his language soecial, so thank you for documenting and analyzing one of my favorite artists so thoroughly in such a short video! I truly hope people will talk about Tigran the same way they talk about Ravel, Chopin, or Liszt ✨

[@rgarlinyc]

Wonderful... thanks for these real , live insights into his genius! Know too that you are genius as well, else he would not have given you his time. Thank you for being you! 👏🏻💕

[@annagerstendorfer3025]

So proud of Tigran, as an Armenian, it’s so wonderful and hopeful watching our musicians succeed 💜

[@charliecampbell6851]

I've learned some of Tigran's music but had NO IDEA vardavar was basically just the left hand! That's absurd

[@BrainFever]

So good! Thanks for doing this! From the first time I heard The Grid, I've been obsessed! That is one of my favorite songs.

[@py_a_thon]

Thank you for the showcase of an excellent musician(and some people in ensemble) that I had never heard before. This is some very beautiful music.

[@rocketpost1]

I hope you don't feel diminished Nahre by the genius of Tigran. You are the best and a great teacher.

[@19tet]

6:29 man. makes ME wanna dive into my parent's cultures. much respect! 🙏🏾

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Thank you, Nahre, for this reintroduction to Tigran’s music. From this sampling, I agree he really is defining a style, and a model for stylistic development uniquely his own.

[@ivanlydian6698]

Tigran it's my biggest inspiration. I'm not even a piano player. His Music it´s so unique!

[@Blend33]

Nahre made a Meshuggah reference, awesome 💯

[@brianballinger100]

I adore how Tigran can use deep complexity in a way that feels memorable and approachable. Great interview and introduction!

[@hamzailarzeg]

His Kars 1 live was jawdropping

[@apprenticeofgaravel]

Is there a link?

[@hamzailarzeg]

@@apprenticeofgaravel yes, ill share. I only have the audio version

[@kallekoivisto5103]

It's a bit "twisting the knife" that this video released on the exact day, when Tigran was playing a jazz festival near me, while I myself had to be playing keyboards at a different (much smaller) festival. 😅Still a wonderfully enjoyable video.

[@rubengherrera]

Two of my favourites persons in the world, together!

[@6ic6ic6ic]

I'm subbed to the channel, and a huge Tigran fan. How am I only seeing this 2 weeks later. =/. I found Tigran through metal music. Things like Tool, Meshuggah, Gojira and Technical Death Metal eventually led me down a path to math rock and jazz and to Tigran. I'd always felt but never knew, he must have listened to some of these bands and styles. Very cool interview. Thx.

[@grantkondo]

I relate to and appreciate the connection to musics around the world as well as a (seemingly) loose approach to harmony -- especially the part where he "matches" chords to a melody note at 9:03 -- that is often my approach to harmonization! Amazing and I look forward to the amazing people you will continue to work with in Germany at Elbphilharmonie!

[@dompetro]

Been my favorite artists for years. Warms my heart to see this 🥳

[@eduardoleiva7155]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do all of this. Such a pleasure to get a peak into his mind. Love your channel!

[@epserps5055]

One word: spectacular. Thank you all.

[@CharlesRobitaille514]

Tigran is a genius !!!! LOVE HIS MUSIC !!!!!! Too bad the interview was so short! But thank you none the less.

[@doremifadi]

This finally happened!!! Incredible interview ♥

[@quirkmaker]

Thank you Nahre, for this introduction to Tigran...it is hard to find music that fits me so well...melodic, yet artfully complex, and innovative. A really nice connection to other forms. I'm pretty blown away by this music. Maybe it is a cliche, but I like the spaces in it, diversions and changes but the clarity remains...really nice.

[@marinooliveira4204]

he's my biggest inspiration both in life and in music, thank you so much for making this video

[@circa1907czec]

Thank you Nahre to introducing such a talented different musician.

[@carchitector]

The legend

[@NahreSol]

🔥

[@BassPoet]

Evan Marien, a great musician, a great bass player 🎸 .

[@zooesque]

Great video. Tigran’s style is one of my favorites for sure. All the best.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Yay. Awesome.

[@ifer1280]

Oh yeah I've loved his work for ages! I'm absolutely not surprised he's into Meshuggah.

[@amorrisphoto]

I got to see Tigran in Vancouver with an audience of 30-40 people. It was incredibly intimate and moving.

[@sjbechet1111]

Wow. The next best thing since you did the double harmonic major scales with Rick.B - I was delighted by that and this. Thanks Nahre.

[@leiferickson3183]

Wow! Thank you so much for introducing me to his music!

[@NahreSol]

So glad!!!

[@misaellemos6640]

Tigran é um dos deuses da música!!

[@leuroledollar4047]

I also like when he worked with Olivier Boge and Dhafer Youssef. Especially the album with Boge it is so melodic reminds me of Shai Maestro. Tigran has such a nice panel of emotions

[@keerthanshagrithaya303]

Beautiful, so glad you got to talk to him. Wish the video didnt end!

[@clems6belio]

Amazing video as always Nahre, I've been a fan of the guy for about 12 years now, seen him play live like 20 times and still not bored !

[@kara-zul2951]

It's always a joy to find out that people you look up to love the same things you do. Both you and Tigran have been a huge inspiration for ages, it's great to see you two together. Nice interview ^^

[@SNAFU2012]

my favorite living pianist!!!!! (no offense ms. sol, i love you too and have loved you both for many years)

[@devildandymusic]

Very cool and refreshing! Thanks for making and sharing this. Tigran incorporates lots of very cool musical ideas. All of us music nerds always appreciate the people who go in depth in analysing and showing us how this kind of music is structured and where it comes from. Shout out also to Yogev Gabay, who played with Tigran and from who you showed one of his creative song analysis.

[@zcu8404]

so jealous of your meeting him! been loving him for ages now!!

[@ewtam24]

Thank you for the wonderful discussion