Others About Edward Manukyan << Back “He is the modern Sayat Nova. His compositions are very interesting and unique, and they sound very Armenian. <...> They are very meditative and have face and soul.” - Loris Tjeknavorian, composer/conductor [about "Esquisse"] “It was - what shall I say - exquisite.” - Steven Weinberg, physicist (Nobel laureate) “Edward Manukyan's music is entirely Armenian, pure and genuine.” - Edward Mirzoyan, composer “He (Manukyan) understands the essence of his native Armenian music very deeply and he has an exceptional talent for the art of orchestration. <…> I often hear some exotic dissonances in his works, and now I know that those come from Armenian national folklore, as they are played on some folk instruments. I like the way he uses those in his own scores. It’s never overdone. To me it always sounds like it couldn’t have been written otherwise.” - Rowan Taylor, composer “The Trio [for Clarinet, Violin and Piano] is a marvelous work, full of golden nuggets. Most importantly for me, it is a true "Armenian" composition, with genuine inspiration and original language. <...> [on "Monologue"] A brilliant work both in its technical qualities and insightful intelligence." - Konstantin Orbelian, composer (Peoples Artist of the USSR) [in a letter to Manukyan] “...I am excited by having a piece of serious music dedicated in part to me. <…> When I’m next in Los Angeles or you in New York City, we must meet.” - James D. Watson, biologist (Nobel laureate) “I was very pleased with the new pieces [“World Without War”, “Esquisse”, etc.] Have listened to them several times and will do so often.” - Noam Chomsky, linguist and philosopher “The music is beautiful. Just one look into the score is enough to sustain your interest.” - Alexander Arutiunian, composer (Peoples Artist of the USSR) “Everything in the score [Symphony No. 1] serves well for the obvious purpose - to make the music sound as “Armenian" as possible while still keeping it contemporary in every sense.” - James Newton, composer “What I particularly like about his music is that it doesn’t need you to be "prepared" to listen to and appreciate classical music. No! You listen to it and you say to yourself, “Today I want shish kebab for dinner!” - Stephen Piazza, conductor << Back