Armenian Dances is a musical piece for concert band, written by Alfred Reed (1921–2005). It is a four-movement suite of which Part I comprises the first movement and Part II comprises the remaining three. Each part consists of a number of Armenian folk songs from the collection of Komitas Vardapet (1869–1935), an Armenian ethnomusicologist. Part I Armenian Dances (Part I) was completed in the summer of 1972 and first performed by the University of Illinois Symphonic Band on January 10, 1973. The piece is dedicated to Dr. Harry Begian, the director of that ensemble. The work includes five distinct sections: Tzirani Tzar (The Apricot Tree) (mm. 1–29) (Broadly, and sustained), which opens the piece, begins with a short brass fanfare and runs in the woodwinds. This sentimental song consists of three related melodies. Gakavi Yerk (The Partridge's Song) (mm. 30–68) (Con moto), an original composition by Vardapet in common time, has a simple melody which is first stated in the woodwinds and then repeated by the brass. Its simple, delicate melody was intended for a children's choir and is symbolic of that bird's tiny steps. Hoy, Nazan Eem (Hoy, My Nazan) (mm. 69–185) (Allegretto non troppo) is a lively dance, mostly in 5/8 time, which naturally imposes an unusual pattern of additive meter—the notes repeatedly change from 3+2 eighth notes per bar to 2+3 eighth notes per bar. In this song, a young man sings the praises of his beloved, named Nazan. Alagyaz (mm. 186–223) (Broadly, with expression), a folk song named for a mountain in Armenia, is a broad and majestic song in 3/4 time; it serves as a contrast to the fast, upbeat songs that come both before and after. Gna, Gna (Go, Go) (mm. 224–422) (Allegro vivo con fuoco) is a very fast, delightful, and humorous laughing-song in 2/4 time; it builds in volume and speed until the exciting conclusion of the piece. Part II Armenian Dances (Part II) was again dedicated to Dr. Harry Begian, and was premiered on April 4, 1976, in Urbana, Illinois, by the University of Illinois Symphonic Band, Dr. Begian conducting. Part II consists of three movements, each based upon a single Armenian folk song. Hov Arek (The Peasant's Plea) (Slowly, and very sustained) A lyrical song in which a young man implores the mountains to send a breeze to rid him of his woes. It is a deeply moving song in