Saturday Morning Listening: Khachaturian Excerpts

Good morning, everyone, at least it was morning when I started writing.   I thought I would post a little weekend listening of a few non-piano pieces of Khachaturian.  Please enjoy at your leisure!  Would love to hear your thoughts.

1.  “Sabre Dance”  from his ballet “Gayane”   

Many of you will know this and I’m sure many circus performers and gymnasts do as well! I think it would make a great “tap along” piece for a student’s understanding of a VERY STEADY beat.

2.  “Masquerade Waltz”  from his ballet “Gayane”   

Perhaps one of the greatest waltzes of all time (at least in my humble opinion).  This piece always uplifts me when I hear it.  I need to place a conductor’s baton in my students’ hands and have them conduct this.  What a way to feel one beat per bar!

In 1941 Khachaturian was asked to write music for a production of the play, Masquerade, by Russian poet and playwright Mikhail Lermontov.  It is better known in the form of a five-movement suite.

And a lovely piano transcription here!

It’s available in THIS COLLECTION.  I immediately thought of how fun this would be as a piano duet.  Found one HERE on Sheet Music Plus.

3.  “Adagio”  from his third and final ballet “Spartacus”  

One of my all-time favorites.  His last internationally- acclaimed work completed in 1954.

Came across this passionate piano arrangement you must listen to….

What a discovery!  I found it available for purchase HERE!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

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