Every community, beyond its history and geography, has its spiritual calling card. For the village of Rind, this calling card has become a composition that, despite not having an officially approved status, has served as the anthem of Rind for the past decade.
The author of the lyrics and music is the pedagogue Ruzanna Kostanyan, who dedicated a period of her career to the Rind Secondary School, drawing inspiration from the village’s nature and its people. The song is performed by Arthur Karapetyan, whose vocal qualities impart the necessary majesty and warmth to the piece.
Historical Overview
The premiere of the song took place on a historic and symbolic day—October 20, 2014—during the Rind village festivities. The event was marked by the visit of high-ranking guests: Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan, Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, and the Governor of Vayots Dzor, Edgar Ghazaryan. It was on this day that the song was performed for the first time, becoming the jewel of the celebration and cementing itself as the symbol of the community.
Content and Artistic Analysis
The text of the song is structured according to classic anthem rules: glorification, description, and a message to future generations.
- Fusion of Nature and Character “Nestled on the crags of rocks…” From the very first lines, the author emphasizes Rind’s geographical position—complex, rocky, yet proud. “Reigning down from the rocks” symbolizes not only physical height but also spiritual resilience. The resident of Rind is presented as a child of nature, fused with those rocks.
- Harmony of Strength and Mind “Powerful with the great strength of their arm / Walking wrapped in the bright light of their mind.” This is one of the anthem’s most important messages. The native of Rind is not only physically strong (“strength of arm”) but also educated, enlightened, and progressive (“bright light of mind”).
- Tradition and Continuity “To prosper the ancestral home with seven sons.” Sitting at the table with “seven sons” is an ancient Armenian blessing symbolizing power, multiplication, and eternity. The song mandates keeping the “paternal hearth” bright, viewing it not merely as a place to stay, but as a sacred relic (“Cradle”).
Musical Description
The composition has a solemn-marching (martial) character combined with lyrical effusions.
Instrumentation: The emphasized presence of brass and percussion instruments creates a powerful orchestral sound typical of state and national ceremonies. The calm beginning gradually transforms into a powerful climax.
Vocals: Arthur Karapetyan’s performance is characterized as a lyric baritone. His velvety yet masculine timbre allows him to convey both tenderness toward the homeland (“Embraces”) and pride (“Sons stand bold”).
This composition is the musical embodiment of Rind’s past, present, and future.
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