The Music of Armenia, Volume 2: Sharakan/Medieval Music
Sharakan is not just the name of a type of medieval song, it is  also the name of Daniel Erazhisht's ensemble. The Sharakan Early Music  Ensemble was founded in 1991 to perform Armenian music of the Middle Ages,  starting from the 5th century. It was created by Grigor Danielian, who has  followed the age-old Armenian tradition of taking a pseudonym, in his case  Daniel Erazhisht, for his musical work. The name Daniel Erazhisht literally  means Daniel the Musician, and was the name of an outstanding musical  figure of the eleventh century.Several guest musicians join the Sharakan  Early Music Ensemble on this recording; most notable among them is soprano  Anna Mailian, who is considered the finest classical and operatic singer in  Armenia today. She is in demand at major opera houses throughout Europe;  her voice is heard on seven songs in this collection. Also appearing are  Hovhannes Darbinian, a leading performer on the traditional Armeniantar, Ara Avanian, vocalist on the songHorzham; and classical  pianist Margarit Sarkissian.