Aram Khachaturian: Ballet Music from Gayane, Spartacus & Masquerade (Naxos) CD

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• UPC: 636943405420
• Product Type: Music CD
• Brand Name: Naxos
• MPN: 8.554054
• Genre: Classical / Ballet
• Style: Orchestral / 20th Century / Neo-Romantic
• Composer: Aram Il'yich Khachaturian
• Performers: St Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, André Anichanov (Conductor)
• Release Year: 1997

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD (DDD)
• Length: 78:54
• Dimensions: Standard Jewel Case
• Label: Naxos
• Recording Venue: Studio One, St Petersburg Radio, Russia (1993-1994)

Overview

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic energy and lush melodies of the Caucasus with this quintessential Naxos collection of Aram Khachaturian’s ballet masterpieces. This disc brings together highlights from three of the composer's most enduring works: the fiery Gayane, the heroic Spartacus, and the elegant Masquerade.

Performed with authentic Russian vigor by the St Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra under André Anichanov, the recording captures everything from the pulse-pounding "Sabre Dance" to the sweeping, cinematic "Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia." Khachaturian's unique ability to blend Armenian folk traditions with large-scale symphonic orchestration creates a soundscape that is both exotic and deeply moving. Whether you are a newcomer to 20th-century classical music or a seasoned collector, this recording offers a vivid portrait of one of the Soviet era's "three titans" of music.

Interesting Facts

• The "Sabre Dance" Accident: Khachaturian wrote the world-famous "Sabre Dance" in just a few hours as a late addition to Gayane. He actually found its massive popularity a bit "painful," fearing it overshadowed his more serious symphonic works.
• A Hero for the People: The ballet Spartacus tells the story of the historical Thracian gladiator who led a slave uprising against Rome. Its stirring music was awarded the Lenin Prize in 1959.
• Pop Culture Presence: The "Adagio" from Spartacus is widely recognized by modern audiences, having been used in various films and television series, including the classic BBC drama The Onedin Line and the film Ice Age: The Meltdown.
• Political Titan: Alongside Shostakovich and Prokofiev, Khachaturian was considered one of the leading figures of Soviet music, though he famously faced official denunciation in 1948 for "formalism" before being restored to prominence.
• Late Starter: Khachaturian didn't begin formal music theory studies until he was 19, originally studying biology before his talent for composition led him to the Moscow Conservatory.

Track Listing

Gayane (excerpts) (25:15)

1. Sabre Dance (2:26)
2. Dance of the Girls (2:31)
3. Dance of the Boys (2:17)
4. Lullaby (5:17)
5. Choosing the Bride (3:04)
6. Gayane and Giko (2:51)
7. Dance of the Comrades (1:51)
8. Gayane's Adagio (4:58)

Spartacus (excerpts) (36:15)

1. Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia (8:37)
2. Dance of a Greek Slave (2:24)
3. Adagio of Aegina and Harmodius (6:49)
4. Variation of Aegina and Bacchanalia (4:17)
5. Scene and Dance with Crotala (3:26)
6. Dance of the Gaditanae – Victory of Spartacus (6:49)
7. Dance of an Egyptian Girl (3:53)

Masquerade (excerpts) (17:26)

1. Waltz (4:22)
2. Nocturne (3:52)
3. Mazurka (2:47)
4. Romance (3:12)
5. Gallop (3:13)

Publishers

Published by Naxos Rights US, Inc. (℗ 1994-96 & © 2018). Booklet notes by Keith Anderson. Cover painting by Valentin Serov.

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