Vartér
(Roses)

The song "Vartér" was originally written with Hebrew lyrics and became popular throughout the Middle East and worldwide Jewish community under the name "Erev Shel Shoshanim". (The translation for the original Hebrew lyrics appears elsewhere on this web site.) This song has been immensely popular among belly dancers for many years as accompaniment for American-style veil work.

In the 1950's, Robert Tashjian wrote his own lyrics in Armenian, using the melody line of "Erev Shel Shoshanim". When Harry Saroyan decided to include "Vartér" on his Oriental Bouquet album, he decided to include not only one of the verses by Tashjian, but also one of his own. Here is a translation of the two verses as they appear on Oriental Bouquet, courtesy of Harry Saroyan.

Lyrics: Robert Tashjian and Harry Saroyan
Music: Yosef Haddar

Listen to MP3 Clips of This Song

For other versions of this song, see the translation for Erev Shel Shoshanim.

Lyrics

Where to Get Recordings of this Song

Listen to Clip

Artist: Harry Saroyan CD Title: Saroyan Sings an Oriental Bouquet

About the Translator

Many thanks to my late friend, Harry Saroyan, for providing this translation to this web site! Harry, the founder of Saroyan Mastercrafts, Inc., was a master craftsman who made finger cymbals and costume coins. In addition, he was a popular recording artist. With his popularity and expertise in the belly dance communities, he was continually invited to perform music and be the Master of Ceremonies for events, as well as judge belly dance competitions. Harry's love, devotion and contributions to Middle Eastern arts made him very popular with belly dancers worldwide who have enjoyed his finger cymbals, coins, and music. Harry passed away September 27, 2016. However, as long as dancers continue using his music and playing the finger cymbals he designed, he'll remain a treasured part of our dance community. Rest in peace, Harry.

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