Khachaturyan A. Suite from the Music to the Drama “Masquerade”. Score

Aram Khachaturyan (1903–1978) once said: “Lermontov is one of those greatest masters, whose works are to exist in music forever!” The composer was really charmed by the “Masquerade”, this hymn to deep feelings and all-conquering force of passions.

The performance was staged in 1941 by the Moscow Vakhtangov Theatre, and in 1944 there appeared two editions of the Suite for orchestra in 5 movements: Waltz, Nocturne, Mazurka, Romance, Galop. It was August 6 of the same year, when the first edition (for small symphony orchestra) was performed, and on November 8 — the second version (for paired cast) saw the world.

Sometimes the Suite was arranged, so as its movements. Irakli Andronikov marked special innovations that would not ever wither. “It’s difficult to imagine any other music, so much suitable to Lermontov’s romantic nature. Look, the facture is most innovative, no imitation of that epoch. Only the spirit is reserved.”

Contents:

1. Waltz
2. Nocturne
3. Mazurka
4. Romance
5. Galop