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Musical Discussions
Topic: Khachaturian anyone?

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Posted by Antonio J. on 03-21-2006
I know very little about this composer. I've got just three discs, two of his suites excerpts (Masquerade, Spartacus and Gayaneh) but none with any complete suite, and the violin concerto. I find his music very expressive, romantic and "vigorizing" with nice idle moments. The Masquerade's vals is a wonderful piece of music which brings me images of wealthy rooms with "beautiful" young people dancing. I wonder if this kind of images cost Khachaturian being criticised by the sovietic regime.

I would be thankful if you could advice me some good recorded (and available nowadays) performances of the suites, second Symphony, piano and violin concertos, and other works worth listening. I have the feeling that righter versions of Spartacus than the ones of the excerpts I have, may show a deeper meaning in this music, which can sound too "soundtrack" for my taste. I have spotted several Masquerade renditions, but I'm sure that some will be more adviceable than others.

Thxs,

a.

Posted by Romy the Cat on 03-21-2006

A,

I do not know, the Aram Khachaturian never was a person who I knew well. You may go to Onno van Rijen “Soviet Composers” site, he has usually quite good list of the available performances. Khachaturian was quite recognized conductor and I would defiantly get his own recordings. I have quite a few of them but I really can not recall what I like. I think that last time I spin Khachaturian was a few years back….

Rgs,
The Ignorant Cat


Posted by Antonio J. on 03-22-2006
I'll chech van Rijen's site, thanks for the tip. I was afraid Khachaturian wasn't on your interest spot, his music is not as meaningful in the deep sense of intentions and maybe "ethics" as Beethoven's, nor as innovative and complex as Mussorgsky's, but has a sheer beauty that I enjoy.

rgrds,

A.

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