About the Artist
Considered one of the most influential Armenian composers, Khachatur Avetisyan (1926-1996) was born in Gumri, Armenia. He graduated from the Komitas National Conservatory in Yerevan where he studied composition with Professor Edward Mirzoyan. At age 25 he was the first Armenian composer honored with gold medals in Berlin and Moscow international competitions. In addition to his studies in classical music, Khachatur Avetisyan became an authority in Armenian folk music and traditional instruments, especially Kanon. He composed the first Concerto for Kanon and Symphony Orchestra in 1954. Khachatur Avetisyan dedicated his creative life to researching and developing the performance practice of Armenian folk music. He founded the Folk Music Department at Komitas National Conservatory in 1978 where under his guidance an entire generation of master instrumentalists was trained. Khachatur Avetisyan created numerous famous songs, ballet, oratorio, film and dance music, as well as a large number of works for various folk instruments. His brilliant melodic works reveal a refined lyricism. In 1958 he assumed the role of the artistic director of the National Dance Ensemble and later of the Tatoul Altunian Song and Dance Ensemble, where his new folk instrumental and vocal music became the staple of the repertory.
Product Description
Rediscover this collection of popular Armenian songs from one of Armenia's most influential composers, Khachatur Avetisyan. "In Memoriam: Vol.2" (sequel to In Memoriam: Vol.1 Most Popular Armenian Songs) is the careful selection of 17 classic Avetisyan pieces performed by icons such as Hovhaness Badalyan, Ophelia Hambartzumian, and Rouben Matevosyan during what many have called the Golden Age of Armenian Recordings (1950's-1980's). Avetisyan conducts the Ensemble of National Instruments of the Armenian National Radio. Narek.com's restoration project of these historic recordings is presented with a beautiful 12 page booklet, including Armenian lyrics. Like the classic Technocolor movies of the 1950's and 60's, "In Memoriam's" vitality and staying power are steeped in the grandiose fashion with which the music is arranged and performed. Excess and all. - Raffi Meneshian, World Music Review On this retrospective of historical recordings, songs performed by Varduhi Khachatrian, Hovhannes Badalyan, Ophelia Hambartzumian, Rouben Matevosyan, Albert Sargsyan, and Rima Saribekyan.
Selection made from The Armenian National Radio archive recordings.
