Hambardzum Limonjyan, creator of the new Armenian notation

Hambardzum Limonjyan was an Armenian composer and musicologist, the creator of the new Armenian musical notation. His system replaced the complex Arabic notation and in the 19th century became widespread in Constantinople (Istanbul) and Transcaucasia.

Church hymns, folk songs and urban songs were written down in this notation, and thanks to it thousands of Armenian musical works have been preserved. The system was later developed by Aristakes Hovhannisyan and Nikoghayos Tashjian.

In the oval portrait Limonjyan sits in an armchair, wearing a fez and a dark coat. His name is written in Armenian below.