GEORGE GURDJIEFF AND THOMAS DE HARTMANN
LAUDAMUS
SECULAR & SACRED PIANO WORKS
Hayk Melikyan
The profound musical legacy of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (c.1866–1949) is here brought to life by acclaimed Armenian pianist Hayk Melikyan. Born at the crossroads of cultures, Gurdjieff’s music weaves together Armenian, Greek, Kurdish, Persian, and Central Asian folk traditions, reflecting his lifelong quest for spiritual wisdom. Transcribed by Thomas de Hartmann (1885-1956), these evocative piano works blend Eastern mysticism and Western artistry, channelling ancient rituals, dances, and chants. Melikyan’s sensitive interpretations reconnect Gurdjieff’s music to its Armenian roots, transforming each piece into a living narrative. Laudamus bridges past and present, offering listeners a timeless journey through the world’s spiritual and musical heritage.
SONGS AND RHYTHMS OF PEOPLES | 24:04 | |
1 | Greek Melody (1924) | 01:52 |
2 | Greek Round Dance (1925) | 01:00 |
3 | Kurd Melody for Two Flutes (1927) | 01:15 |
4 | Persian Song (1926) | 04:05 |
5 | Atarnakh, Kurd Song (1925) | 02:48 |
6 | Untitled (Lento, quasi recitativo) (1923) | 02:27 |
7 | Song of Fisherwomen (1926) | 02:16 |
8 | Armenian Song (1926) | 02:20 |
9 | Assyrian Women Mourners (1925) | 03:01 |
10 | Afghan Melody (1926) | 01:30 |
11 | Ancient Greek Melody (1925) | 01:30 |
SAYYID CHANTS AND DANCES | 18:12 | |
12 | Sayyid Chant and Dance in D Minor (1926) | 03:53 |
(Lento, poco rubato. Allegretto rigoroso) | ||
13 | Sayyid Chant and Dance in G Minor (1926) | 03:44 |
(Andantino, molto cantabile ed espressivo. Allegretto) | ||
14 | Sayyid Chant and Dance in A Minor (19-) | 04:12 |
15 | Sayyid Chant and Dance in D Minor (1926) | 02:33 |
(Alla breve, moderato. Rigoroso) | ||
16 | Kurdish Song (Sayyid) (1926) | 02:03 |
17 | Sayyid Chant and Dance in A Minor (1927) | 01:47 |
HYMNS AND PRAYERS | 24:32 | |
18 | Laudamus… (1927) | 03:57 |
19 | Joyous Hymn (1927) | 02:32 |
20 | Rejoice, Beelzebub! (1926) | 01:56 |
21 | Holy Affirming, Holy Denying, Holy Reconciling (1926) | 04:18 |
22 | Prayer and Despair (1926) | 03:05 |
23 | Easter Hymn (1927) | 01:31 |
24 | Prayer (1919-23) | 01:36 |
25 | Chant from a Holy Book (1927) | 03:07 |
26 | The Resurrection of Christ (1927) | 02:30 |
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
GEORGE IVANOVICH GURDJIEFF (c. 1866–1949) was a philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and composer. Born in the Russian Empire near the border of Russian Armenia and Turkey, he was of Greco-Armenian descent. From an early age, Gurdjieff exhibited a deep sensitivity to music and a lifelong quest to understand the meaning of human existence. His father, a bard, introduced him to the musical traditions of their culture, and young Gurdjieff sang in a Russian Orthodox Church choir, though he had little formal musical training.
Gurdjieff traveled extensively in Asia and the Middle East, studying various spiritual traditions. He developed a system called the "Fourth Way" that teaches modern enlightenment from a state of "waking sleep" through physical, emotional, and intellectual work. He combined his teachings with music and dance, using these as tools to cultivate self-awareness and higher consciousness. Much of his music was composed collaboratively with Thomas de Hartmann and reflected influences from folk traditions and religious chants he encountered during his travels.
In the early 1920s, Gurdjieff established the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man near Paris, attracting international students and emphasizing a holistic approach to personal development through lectures, music, movement, and manual labour. He continued teaching, composing, and writing until his death in 1949, leaving a lasting spiritual and musical legacy that blends philosophy, esoteric practices, and innovative composition.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
HAYK MELIKYAN is celebrated as a most versatile and imaginative performer. Equally at home in 20th Century and Contemporary music as in the classical and baroque repertoire, he is recognised by classical music audiences and critics as one of today’s most engaging, virtuoso pianists. Melikyan started playing the piano with Irina Grishinskaya and later continued his professional studies with Professor Alexander Gourgenov at the Yerevan Komitas Conservatory. He leads an active concert life, playing throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas on prestigious stages such as Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Geneva’s Victoria Hall, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, Lisbon’s Gulbenkian Grand Auditorium, and Teatro Solis in Montevideo, Uruguay. He is a frequent performer at international music festivals. Melikyan is a laureate of many International Piano Competitions.
The Armenian Musical Assembly awarded Melikyan the esteemed Komitas Medal in 2008, and Moscow Composers Union bestowed him their Golden Medal in 2012. In 2013, he received the Title of Honorary Artist of Armenia and in September 2025, he was awarded the Movses Khorenatsi Medal by the President of Armenia; the country's highest state honour for cultural achievements.
A champion of contemporary music, in 2009 Melikyan launched 1900+; a series on 20thcentury piano music; and in 2020, 2000+ to promote music from the current century. He received the Armenian Ministry’s Golden Medal for 1900+ in 2024. BBC Music Magazine named him “a Musical Hero for his promotion of contemporary music.”
Hayk Melikyan has collaborated with many renowned performers, composers and conductors, including Kristof Barati, Francesco Dillon, Valery Gergiev, Gyorgy Kurtag, Tigran Mansurian, Gianluca Marciano, Diego Martin-Etxebarria, Edgar Moreau, Krzysztof Penderecki, Hugo Ticciati, and Pēteris Vasks.