Armenian Rhapsodies

Armenian Rhapsodies
Syracuse New Times (The Central New York Alternative)
August 10, 2005
By Colette Hebert
A hero to Armenians around the world, Syracuse musician, composer and
recording artist Daniel Decker has written two nationalist songs that
have gained much positive response. Always interested in music from
other cultures, Decker frequently travels to his homeland to present his
music, most recently in April to memorialize the Armenian genocide that
began in 1915.
During his first trip to Armenia in 2001, Decker heard a captivating
melody while shopping at an open-air market. Moved by the piece, he
located the composer, Ara Gevorkyan, and grew interested in writing
lyrics to the music. With Gevorkyan’s approval, Decker’s lyrics created
the successful song, “Noah’s Prayer,” based on the story of Noah and his
ark on Mount Ararat. The song’s premiere was accompanied by the Armenian
Opera Orchestra during the Independence Day celebration in front of
Mount Ararat. “It was an amazing experience,” Decker explains. “I’m
singing this song about Noah and this ark is sitting a few miles behind it.”
The pair joined forces again as Decker chose Gevorkyan’s melody for
“Adana.” “It was the perfect music to tell the story of the Armenian
genocide,” an event that during World War I resulted in the Turks’
execution of 1.5 million Armenian Christians. “Most of the world
remembers nothing about the event, and I thought this was a story that
needs to get out,” Decker says.
In April, the song premiered during the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
genocide at a nationally televised concert as Decker sang “Adana” along
with singers from Finland, Germany, Moldova, Bulgaria and Armenia, who
performed in their native language. “I felt a very heavy weight on my
shoulders,” Decker says, “singing to descendants of those killed in the
genocide.”
“Noah’s Prayer” and “Adana” are available on Decker’s CD My Offering
(Candelas Music). A remake of “Dust in the Wind,” “One Faith” with
flamenco guitars, the Brazilian samba “There Is a Place” and the
Latin-flavored “Wonder Of Your Love” are also on the disc. With his
vocal and keyboard talents, Decker creates a range of unique sounds: “I
like a lot of diversity in my composing and arranging. I want to bring
in as many cultural and musical influences as possible.” For more
information, visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress