Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978)

[eyeresist]

The 3rd would have been right up Stokowski's street,I presume, and is,I suppose,a quite famous recording. But I do wonder what Khatchaturian admirers think of it? Is the score cut? Is the organ dubbed onto the recording? It's so many years since I heard the recording. It used to be in every library & was the recording that most people would hear. At least,I think so?

'Stanley Black conducts Khatchaturian',was another one! Often with a garish sleeve! I used to think,"Who is this Stanley Black?" He sounded like one of those villains in Gerry Anderson shows,or a character in a Cluedo game!

I'm afraid I haven't heard the Stokowski recording - I imagine it might be cut. I've read that the Tjeknavorian recording is cut. I don't know what Khatchaturian admirers think of it (are there such things? most people only acknowledge the ballet excerpts) - I admit that its appeal to me depends to some extent on something perverse in my personality

I have Stanley Black conducting the Masquerade suite on Decca's "Essential Khachaturian" set. Pretty good, but I think my affection still lies with the composer-conducted performance, less hard-hitting but more romantic.

Incidentally, I'm not sure what to make of this Amazon entry:

See also ASIN B007Q5EXFK

As the Masquerade suite comes from music for a play, I always assumed there wasn't much more to it than what was in the suite. But according to this page there are 86 minutes of music in total! All I can think is, maybe this is a recording of the actual play?

[cilgwyn]

I'm afraid I haven't heard the Stokowski recording - I imagine it might be cut. I've read that the Tjeknavorian recording is cut. I don't know what Khatchaturian admirers think of it (are there such things? most people only acknowledge the ballet excerpts) - I admit that its appeal to me depends to some extent on something perverse in my personality

I have Stanley Black conducting the Masquerade suite on Decca's "Essential Khachaturian" set. Pretty good, but I think my affection still lies with the composer-conducted performance, less hard-hitting but more romantic.

Incidentally, I'm not sure what to make of this Amazon entry:

See also ASIN B007Q5EXFK

As the Masquerade suite comes from music for a play, I always assumed there wasn't much more to it than what was in the suite. But according to this page there are 86 minutes of music in total! All I can think is, maybe this is a recording of the actual play?

The Masquerade/amazon entry is a bit of a mystery to me,too! Perhaps Vandermolen will know? I think the incidental music to Masquerade is one of his more subtle scores. Well,the quieter bits,anyway!
  As to 'Khatchaturian admirers'! I was just trying to think of a way to describe them! As I was typing it,I was thinking,hm? Not too sure about this! Does anyone actually 'admire' his music?!
Of course,if you do,I don't see why you shouldn't?

As to Stanley Black. I'm not sure about his expertise in the field;but the name does bring back cosy memories of coming back from the public library with piles of books and exciting looking records.

[mahler10th]

It is breath-taking stuff from Yuri Siminov at the helm...the swellingest part of the Adagio from Spartacus.  It will be hard to find it done better.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_zDCvwQhkmxeWVlZ1JkM2hHRGc/edit?usp=sharing

[madaboutmahler]

My first listen to the 2nd symphony is coming to an end and I have absolutely loved it! This was the first time I had heard a large scale work from Khachaturian and I'm impressed. Loved the Dies Irae section in the third movement, and it's all so brilliantly orchestrated, thrilling and captivating! Will be keen to hear more from this composer!

[Tapkaara]

Khachaturian is always a favorite of mine. I go through periods of listening to one composer almost exclusively and then, after a while, I move to someone else to keep it fresh. Anyhow, I am currently on a Khachaturian kick again.

Over the weekend I took in the complete Gayne ballet. This one is with S. Gorkovenko conducting the St. Petersburg  Radio and TV Orchestra. Although a little repetitive at times in its "full form," I really prefer listening to the whole thing as opposed to a suite. Such great music all the way through...never could understand why the whole ballet is hardly ever recorded.

The CD in question is an expensive Japanese import.

[snyprrr]

Based on this Thread- Poooor Khach! Must go listen to Symphony 3!

[snyprrr]

Based on this Thread- Poooor Khach! Must go listen to Symphony 3!

CRrrrrraaaaaaaaap!!!!!!!!!

[vandermolen]

CRrrrrraaaaaaaaap!!!!!!!!!

I rather like it. It has a macabre fascination.

[snyprrr]

I rather like it. It has a macabre fascination.

- yes, it just frightens me the mood I'd have to be in to go "all in"! Is this really what "The Officials" liked?

[vandermolen]

- yes, it just frightens me the mood I'd have to be in to go "all in"! Is this really what "The Officials" liked?

I think that David Fanning said that it reminded him of those over-the-top gymnastic displays in Red Square during the Stalinist era and that it likewise had a ghasly appeal.

[snyprrr]

ok, I like the Violin Concerto. Score 2 for Khachy. (along with CC)

Anyone familiar with the 3 Late Concerto-Rhapsody works, for violin, cello, and, I think, piano? Do I remember them being so much eh?

[Scion7]

I was looking through the Amazon catalogue for the 1932 Sonata for Violin and Piano,
and noticed a real blunder - the Prelude label has a Leonid & Nina Kogan CD that lists KAREN Kachaturian's (Aram's nephew) 3-movement 1947 Sonate Op.1 in g for violin and piano under Aram.  There is no note on the back that this is Karen's work.  Allegro-Andante-Presto

A. Khachaturian's sonata is in two movements: I. Lent. Rubato ed espressivo
                                                                    II. Allegro ma non troppo

There are many YT uploads mixing this up, also.  <face-palm>

[Scion7]

This is a good performance of the piano Toccata in Eb-, Op.11 1932

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqYvECh3lg

Her Elgar album received good reviews.

[Mirror Image]

What does everyone think of Khachaturian's Violin Concerto? Best performance?

[Scion7]

THE very best?  This one, the 1965 recording by Oistrakh, Khachaturian, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra:



^ click

Issued in 1967-1971-1977-etc.

The Mordkovitch, Perlman, and Kogan are all very good in "second place."

[Rons_talking]

It was later in life that I discovered Khache's non-ballet music.  I really like the concerti; it's hard to pick out a favorite. The symphonies are new to me; they sound great from what I've heard. It's good to see a Khachaturian thread. A lot of Americans only know him by the Sabre Dance and perhaps, Sparticus. When I first heard the Piano Concerto I was extremely impressed. I still listen to the concerti but i should broaden my listening (and CD collection).

[Scion7]

If only Weinberg was in the photo . . . 

[Mirror Image]

If only Weinberg was in the photo . . . 

If only Weinberg was in the photo instead of Khachaturian.

[Scion7]

Why would you want that?  Are you trying to push out the poor l'il Armenian!?!?   

[Mirror Image]

Why would you want that?  Are you trying to push out the poor l'il Armenian!?!?   

I'm just joking around.