Music and Vinyl: Khachaturian - Gayaneh Ballet Suite

Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was an Armenian composer who lived and worked in the Soviet Union. His work was mostly in favour with the Soviet government, though for a period in 1947/8, along with Shostakovich and Prokofiev (amongst others) he was denounced for following a "formalist" approach to music which made it too difficult for the people to enjoy. Though in his case it is equally likely that his role in the Union of Soviet Composers had more to do with this as his music shows little of sins that others were accused of.

He was sent back to Armenia - the punishment being sent away from Moscow. Like Shostakovich, Khachaturian made a full apology for the error in his ways, and was restored to favour.

Khachaturian's musical style combined Armenian traits with the prevailing orchestral style, and his works included symphonies, concertos, ballets and film music. Following the success of the ballet Spartacus, he became "People's Artist of the Soviet Union" in 1954.

Gayaneh

The earlier ballet Gayaheh (or Gayane) dates from 1941, although it was based on an earlier version called Happiness which had been performed in Yerevan - the Armenian capital, in 1939. Details of the plot can be found here.

The Sabre Dance from the ballet has become Khachaturian's most widely known piece of music.

Khachaturian travelled extensively in the 1950s and 60s, promoting Soviet music and culture, and on a visit to Vienna in 1962 he conducted the Vienna Philharmonic in this recording of a suite from Gayaneh, coupled with Spartacus.

The video is the first new one on my Classics and Vinyl YouTube channel - a second channel I've started for my classical music videos. Apart from this one it has copies of all the classical music videos I've produced for my main channel (which will continue with jazz, pop, world and film music), and it will become the home to all my future classical music vinyl videos. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future gems!