Havun Havun (medieval Armenian chant)

Havun Havun (Armenian: Հաւուն հաւուն, meaning "The Bird Was Awake") is a sacred Armenian hymn attributed to the 10th-century monk, poet, and theologian Grigor Narekatsi. The piece is emblematic of medieval Armenian spiritual music and is traditionally associated with the celebration of Easter, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ.^[1]

Grigor Narekatsi (c. 950–1003/1011) was a prominent figure in Armenian religious literature, known for his mystical and lyrical compositions. Havun Havun is one of his most revered hymns, reflecting deep spiritual and theological themes. The piece belongs to the canon of Armenian liturgical chant and has been preserved over centuries as a key representation of Armenia's sacred heritage.^[2]

The original Armenian text of Havun Havun is as follows:

Հաւուն հաւուն, հաւուն հաւուն,
Երկինս բացեալ, երկինս բացեալ,
Աստուած յարեաւ, Աստուած յարեաւ,
Աստուած յարեաւ ի մեռելոց:

Translated into English:

The bird was awake, the bird was awake,
The heavens opened, the heavens opened,
God has risen, God has risen,
God has risen from the dead.

The hymn employs the metaphor of a bird awakening to symbolize the resurrection of Christ, a central theme in Christian theology. The repetition of lines emphasizes the joyous and miraculous nature of the event.^[3]

Havun Havun is rooted in the modal systems of Armenian sacred music, with melodic phrasing that invites contemplation and reverence. The chant is monophonic in origin but has inspired polyphonic and instrumental versions, reflecting its adaptability and profound emotional resonance.^[4]

Havun Havun has attracted the attention of numerous contemporary musicians, who have arranged or performed the hymn in various instrumental and vocal settings. These interpretations have contributed to its revival in both concert repertoires and spiritual programs:

• Tigran Mansurian, one of Armenia's leading contemporary composers, arranged Havun Havun for voice and string quartet, combining ancient modal elements with modern harmonic language. This version has been performed at several international festivals of sacred music.^[5]
• Marco Misciagna arranged Havun Havun for solo viola, capturing the meditative and lyrical qualities of the original chant. His version is characterized by rich tone and spiritual depth, and has been performed in prestigious venues across Europe and the Middle East.^[6]
• Mario Brunello, an internationally acclaimed cellist, recorded his own transcription of Havun Havun for solo cello. His interpretation emphasizes introspection and silence, in line with the monastic origin of the hymn.^[7]
• Komitas Quartet performed a traditional chamber version of the piece, arranged for string quartet. Their performance maintains the hymn's original modal atmosphere and liturgical solemnity, often accompanied by Armenian duduk or voice in concert settings.^[8]
• Tigran Hamasyan, a prominent Armenian jazz pianist, created an arrangement of Havun Havun blending Armenian sacred melody with jazz improvisation. His version appears on the 2015 ECM album Luys i Luso, which features sacred Armenian hymns reimagined for piano and choir.^[9]

These reinterpretations demonstrate the continued vitality of Havun Havun as both a sacred text and a musical form. Through instrumental transcription, choral adaptation, and improvisational fusion, the piece bridges Armenian tradition with global music practices.

• Grigor Narekatsi

• Havun Havun: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
• Music score of Havun Havun