Hachaturyan A. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. Score

Aram Ilyich Hachaturyan (1903–1978) is truly considered to be the classic of the Russian music ever living in the 20th century. Among his creations there are numerous drama, symphony and chamber compositions, such as the world known ballet “Spartacus” and “Gayane”, three symphonies, three concertos for solo instruments with orchestra, three concertos-rhapsodies, choruses, music for theatre and cinema.

Hachaturyan's concertos for solo instruments (piano, violin, cello) and orchestra are ranked high in the composer's artistic biography. This is exactly the piano concerto dating 1936 to have been enjoying the popularity since its first performance. The young composer seemed to manifest his unique skill and methods inherent in his aesthetic.

The premiere took place in Moscow on July 12, 1937. The great pianist Lev Oborin presented Hachaturyan's opus with the orchestra conducted by Lev Shteinberg. Critics marked the concerto as the apotheoses of the piano art. Indeed, the score is nourished with flamboyant themes, outpouring expressive melodic and rhythmic element. Here the Armenian national features are mingled with the traditional concert symphonic elaboration, including also the Russian one. The Concerto is dedicated to its first interpreter Lev Oborin, who uttered his attitude to this work the following way: “Let me mention the Piano Concerto by Hachaturyan among the galaxy of the true concertos, but not a mere pieces for piano and orchestra. Its extensive dramatic ground is based on the wholehearted contradiction and competition between the soloist and the team…”