Avasi Armenian ashugh. Date of Birth: 25.12.1895 Country: Armenia

1. Early Life and Training
2. Apprenticeship and Ashikhood
3. Fame and Recognition
4. The Yerevan Years
5. A Prolific Career
6. Legacy and Honors

Early Life and Training

Born in 1896 to a poor peasant family in the village of Ayazma, Georgia, Arshak Markosyan, later known as Avassi, faced a significant challenge from an early age: he was completely blind. Despite this, his father recognized his musical talent and sent him to neighboring villages to learn the art of the saz, a traditional stringed instrument.

Apprenticeship and Ashikhood

At the age of 12, Avassi began traveling with local ashiks (folk poets and musicians) throughout the region. To further his musical education, his father sent him to the renowned ashik of the village of Tifili, His Manuqyan. After two years of training, Avassi returned to his village as a skilled ashik, adopting the stage name Avassi, meaning "desire" or "mood."

Fame and Recognition

In 1929, Avassi moved to the city of Akhaltsikhe, where he met prominent musicians like violinist Ashot Grigoryan and duduk player Arut Davtyan, who played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey. It was during his time in Akhaltsikhe that Avassi's fame as a musician grew, and his songs became widely popular. His performances were broadcast on local radio stations, and his works were published in the regional and national press.

The Yerevan Years

In 1944, Avassi embarked on a new chapter in his life by moving to Yerevan. Upon his arrival, he began performing concerts throughout Armenia. His compositions, such as "Songs in Notes" and "Fragrance," were published in print. In 1961, a collection of his songs titled "Mazmirs" was released in Yerevan, featuring well-known pieces like "Song of Peace," "Beautiful Mountains of Armenia," and "Colleague Shepherd."

A Prolific Career

Throughout his lifetime, Avassi composed an astonishing number of works, including over 2000 songs, 1500 quatrains, and 130 melodies. His repertoire covered diverse genres, including satirical songs and love poetry. Many of his songs were inspired by the times in which he lived, including World War II, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, and his native Javakhk region.

Legacy and Honors

Avassi's contributions to Armenian music were widely recognized. He received the title of People's Artist of the Armenian SSR in recognition of his artistic achievements. He passed away in Yerevan on February 22, 1978, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and audiences to this day.