Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Aram Khachaturian

Role / Field:

Leading Soviet Armenian composer, known for vibrant ballet scores and captivating melodies.

Born:

1903-05-24

Died:

1978-05-01

Century / Era:

1903s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Aram Ilyich Khachaturian (; 6 June [O.S. 24 May] 1903 – 1 May 1978) was a Soviet Armenian composer and conductor. He is considered one of the leading Soviet composers. Born and raised in Tbilisi (now the capital of Georgia), he moved to Moscow in 1921 following the Sovietization of the Caucasus.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Without prior music training, he enrolled in the Gnessin Musical Institute, and subsequently studied at the Moscow Conservatory in the class of Nikolai Myaskovsky, among others. His first major work, the Piano Concerto (1936), popularized his name within and outside the Soviet Union. It was followed by the Violin Concerto (1940) and the Cello Concerto (1946). His other significant compositions include the Masquerade Suite (1941), the Anthem of the Armenian SSR (1944), three symphonies (1935, 1943, 1947), and around 25 film scores. Khachaturian is best known for his ballet music: Gayane (1942) and Spartacus (1954).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His most popular piece, the "Sabre Dance" from Gayane, has been used extensively in popular culture and has been performed by a number of musicians worldwide. His style is "characterized by colorful harmonies, captivating rhythms, virtuosity, improvisations, and sensuous melodies"...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1903 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1903
• May 24 (05-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 24
• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• May 1 (05-01) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 1

Frequently Asked Questions about Aram Khachaturian