Authors
Christine Tokatlian1; 1 American College of Greece, Discussion
Tigran Mansurian’s compositions serve as a powerful act of cultural resistance against Sovietization, safeguarding and revitalizing Armenian musical traditions within a broader global framework. By integrating elements of Armenian folk and sacred music into his works, Mansurian established a musical archive that defied Soviet efforts to suppress regional identities. His innovative approach, blending Armenian modal systems with modernist techniques, exemplifies how local traditions can actively engage with and influence global artistic currents.
Mansurian’s oeuvre embodies resilience, symbolizing the endurance of Armenian culture in the face of political and ideological suppression. Through his art, he not only challenged Soviet cultural policies but also reinforced Armenia’s cultural voice on the international stage. His legacy underscores the importance of preserving cultural distinctiveness and individual creativity as a means of resisting assimilation and enriching global artistic dialogue. 
