Customer Reviews

Khachaturian: Suites - Spartacus/Gayaneh/Masquerade

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Khatchaturian is by no means an underachiever in Russian romantic ballet. His Spartacus and Gayaneh are fine examples of late romantic ballets filled with Russian flavor. Aram Ilych Khatchaturian possesses a wonderful musical ability and understanding. The Adagio of Phrygia and Spartacus or the love scene in the ballet oozes with unabashed romance and is scored with lush strings and flute. As for the Sabre Dance in Gayaneh, a very famous piece that is upbeat and entertaining. The Masquerade Suite tells a story or rather critiques Russian high society in his time in much the way Tchaikovsky did with his opera Eugene Onegin. The Waltz is a dizzying waltz that underlines a more cynical note. This music is a must have for afficionados of classical music.

This is a disc of rousing music and memorable tunes. The orchestra does not disappoint, and effectively brings forth the color and vitality of Khachaturian's compositions. There is nothing particularly revolutionary about the three suites on this disc (or within the music of Khachaturian in general), but they are a lot of fun and prove that there is far more to the composer than the famous Sabre Dance. This music usually pleases rather than awes. I would most recommend this CD to fans of classical music who are not very familiar with Khachaturian. Rather than focus on one ballet or concerto, this CD offers the delightful Masquerade Suite as well as a well-chosen sampling from two of Khachaturian's greatest works (the ballets Spartacus and Gayane). This disc is well worth the price.

recently bought the above cd found it disappointing the music

was loud at times and then would fade to nothing . very frustrating.