Aleksandr Karakhan - Tar

Aleksandr Karakhan – A Forgotten Armenian Tarist

Aleksandr Karakhan was a skilled Armenian tar player. While his playing reflects the established style and repertoire of Armenian tar artistry at the time, he has a unique flair that stands out.

Surprisingly, no biographical information about Karakhan is currently available—not online, nor in public archives, nor even in Hovhannes Darbinyan’s comprehensive book on Armenian tar players. This makes the preservation of his recordings all the more significant.

A rare 33 1/2 rpm LP issued by the USSR record label "Melodiya" in 1972 was discovered at an antiques store in Vanadzor in 2023. It features four of Karakhan’s performances—two per side—including "Tzitsernak", "Mayr Araqsi Aperov", "Eshkhemed", and "Ashkharhums Akh Chim Qashi." In addition, a video of Karakhan performing Aram Khachaturian’s Lezginka with piano accompaniment (possibly from 1962) is also featured on this channel. These recordings offer a rare and valuable glimpse into his musicianship and presence as a performer. 

Though the details of his life remain unknown, these rare recordings stand to preserve a subtle yet expressive voice within Armenian musical heritage.