ARAM KHACHATURIAN - PIANO CONCERTO

The Piano Concerto was written in 1936 and performed for the first time in July 12, 1937 in Moscow, in Sokolniki by a distinguished pianist Lev Oborin and the orchestra conducted by L.Steinberg. This work turned to be rather considerable in the Soviet music. Critics wrote about the triumphal procession of the Concerto that proved to be “a real festivity of the piano creative work,” one of the most “repertoire” works at the world concert stages. Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto is an innovatory composition. Having developed traditions of the concerto style of List, Chaikovsky, Rakhmaninov, Ravel, and Prokofiev, Khachaturian initiated new trends in the development of this genre, in the interpretation of its form, composition and thematic character. “However, – said the composer, – the modesty of the texture of the 2nd part of my Piano Concerto, while auditioned by Sergei Prokofiev, evoked his teasing remark: ‘So what will then the pianist be doing, loafing?’” The Concerto is full of remarkable, expressive, beautiful, and characteristically diverse musical themes. It traces back with its deepest origins to the different types of the Orient music. Courageous and lyrical, thoughtful and humorous, singing and dancing, tenderly fascinating or fiery-temperament, they fill the music with realistic imagery, natural character and unique features of Khachaturian’s style. The Concerto is dedicated to Lev Oborin, its first performer. Here are the pianist’s reminiscences about it: “Our creative fellowship has begun with the performance of the Concerto. The author has dedicated this work to me and I gratefully consider it to be the estimation of my first performance of this concerto. The Piano Concerto is one of Khachaturian’s best compositions. It quickly visited the major stages of our country and won recognition abroad. I think one could not name any distinguished pianist whose repertoire does not include this work. It is equally loved both by the senior conductors and by the youth. What attracts me to this music? It must be the powerful temperament, originality, and the exquisite virtuosity of parts of the soloing instrument and the orchestra which is characteristic for his entire creative work:. I dare say that Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto is one of the few contemporary works of this genre which are true concertos, not just pieces for the piano with orchestra. There is grandiosity, vivid sharp opposition and competition between the soloist and the orchestra…” http://mkhitaryanpr.weebly.com/piano-concerto.html