Armenian Folk Music

Today in 1903, Aram Khachaturian was born in Georgia (then Imperial Russia) to an Armenian family. He enjoyed music from a young age, but did not study formally or learn to read music until he was older.

He initially was a supporter of communism and its ideals, joining the party in 1943. But after writing his third symphony (which was intended to be dedicated to the communist party), he was denounced by communist leaders (who also attacked two other popular Russian composers, Prokofiev and Shostakovich). This attack shocked him and forced him to reconsider his positions.

Khachaturian was also very proud of his Armenian heritage, and he incorporated Armenian folk-music into his compositions. His most famous work of music is the "Sabre Dance" from his Ganaye ballet, which is played in all sorts of movies, cartoons, TV shows, etc. Here is an excellent performance of it.

Other than the previous piece, my main exposure to Khachaturian is through his Piano Concerto from 1936. It is modern and dissonant, but is full of very moving themes and dazzling piano passage-work. It is truly romantic at it's heart, despite the modern sounds throughout. The second movement is especially beautiful, and the whole piece is full of themes that sound like folk-music. Here is a recording of this piece, 1st movement parts 1 and 2, 2nd movement, and 3rd movement.