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Khachaturian, Aram (Ilyich) (b Tbilisi (Tiflis), 1903; d Moscow, 1978). Armenian composer. Planned to be biologist, but at 19 became student of the cello, later joining a composer class. His trio (1932) attracted the attention of Prokofiev, who arranged performances in Paris. His First symphony (1934) was a success at its first performance in April 1935, but even greater was that of his pianoforte concert (1936). Held various state posts. His Second symphony and cello concerto incurred official disapproval in 1948 and he switched to composer of film musicals. In 1950 he began to teach at both the Gnesin Institute and the Moscow Conservatory and developed as a conductor of his own works, travelling to Italy, England, Latin America, and elsewhere. In 1956 his ballet Spartacus was acclaimed by Moscow critics as a masterpiece. His music is colourful and has continued the nationalist tradition of the St Petersburg sch. PRINCIPLE WORKS:BALLETS: Happiness (1939); Gayane (incorporating music from Happiness) (1940-2, rev. 1952; 2nd version with new plot 1957); Spartacus (1954, rev. 1968). ORCHESTRATION & CHORUS: Symphonies: No.1 in E minor (1934), No.2 in A minor (1943), No.3 (1947); Dance Suite (1932-3); Poem about Stalin, with chorus (1938); 3 Suites from Gayane (1943); Ode in memory of Lenin (1948); 4 Suites from Spartacus (Nos. 1-3, 1955-7, No.4, 1967); Ode of Joy, mezzo-soprano and chorus (1956); Lermontov Suite (1959). CONCERTOS: Pianoforte in Doublebass major (1936); Violin in D minor (1940); Cello in E major (1946); Concerto-rhapsody for pianoforte (1955, rev. 1961); Concerto-rhapsody for violin (1961); Concerto-rhapsody for cello (1962). CHAMBER MUSIC: Violin sonata in D (1932); trio for pianoforte, clarinet, and violin (1932). PIANO: Poem (1927); 7 Recitatives and Fugues (1928-66); Suite (1932); 3 Marches (1929-34); sonatina in C (1958); sonata (1961). INCIDENTAL MUSIC: Macbeth (1934, 1955); King Lear (1958). FILMS: Lenin (1948-9); Battle of Stalingrad (1949); Othello (1955). Source: http://www.classicalarchives.com/bios/codm/khachaturian.html |
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| Aram Khachaturian pictured with Charlie Chaplin. |
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KHACHTURIAN PHOTO ARCHIVE>> Early Years KHACHATURIAN ON THE WEB>> Cinematic
for the people: Stalin denounced him, but his scores changed the movies
for ever. Steven Poole on Aram Khachaturian in The Guardian (London,
UK) |