Khachaturian Spartacus

A unique coupling on record of vibrant and impassioned chamber music by the uncleand-nephew Armenian composers.

Thibaudet, Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic join to release the rarely recorded Khachaturian concerto. Jean-Yves is the modern-day champion of a work once-famous in the hands of virtuosi such as William Kapell and Oscar Levant. “Thibaudet mastered the score, deftly working the extremes of flashy dynamism and feathery ruminations” (Los Angeles Times). Coupled with short solo piano works including the immortal Adagio from ‘Spartacus’; the Sabre Dance; Lullaby; Masquerade Suite and selections from Pictures of Childhood.

Although he was indicted (along with Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and a number of other prominent Soviet musicians) for "formalism," in the infamous Zhdanov decree of 1948, Aram Khachaturian was, for most of his long career, one of the Soviet musical establishment's most prized representatives. Born into an Armenian family, in Tbilisi, in 1903, Khachaturian's musical identity formed slowly, and, although a tuba player in his school band and a self-taught pianist, he wanted to be a biologist, and did not study music formally until entering Moscow's Gnesin Music Academy (as a cellist) in 1922. His considerable musical talents …..

Although he was indicted (along with Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and a number of other prominent Soviet musicians) for "formalism," in the infamous Zhdanov decree of 1948, Aram Khachaturian was, for most of his long career, one of the Soviet musical establishment's most prized representatives. Born into an Armenian family, in Tbilisi, in 1903, Khachaturian's musical identity formed slowly, and, although ….

As a detour from the type of classical music normally found on entrants to this Adagio series, it is pleasant enough containing many tracks for Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Chopin for Ballet music lovers. Nevertheless, recommended.

On this Regis Records digital recording acclaimed soloist Marina Tarasova plays with total passion and commitment throughout. She is particularly impressive in the extended languorous passage in the second movement andante sostenuto that evolves into an intensified lament.

Khachaturian trio was founded as trio “Arsika” in 1999. It has toured extensively throughout the USA, Central and South America, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, China, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Australia, Moldova, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Armenia. …

Aram Khachaturian conquered the world with the boundless delight he took in composing. His Sabre Dance found its place in advertising, his Adagio from the ballet Spartacus accompanied a cult series, and prominent ice skating pairs danced their way into the hearts of their spectators to the Waltz from his stage music to Lermontov's Masquerade. On the other side, his symphonic music and concertante works even today continue to attract the greatest conductors and soloists. A unique, often imitated, but never reproduced synthesis consisting of fascinating instrumental virtuosity, exotic melodies, highly imaginative harmonies, and irresistible rhythmic spirit distinguishes the three concertos and three concert rhapsodies written by Aram Khachaturian during 1936-46 and 1961-67, and this double trilogy begins its cpo journey with the earliest and latest of these works.