Rob Burton
Arutiunian - Suite for Trio (Violin, sax & piano) (arr. Kavinsky Trio)
KAVINSKY TRIO performing:
Alexander Arutiunian - Suite for Violin, Clarinet & Piano (arranged for Violin, Saxophone and Piano by Rob Burton)
i. Introduction 0:00
ii. Scherzo 5:35
iii. Dialog 8:12
iv. Final 10:43
Violin - Amalia Young
Saxophone - Rob Burton
Piano - Milli McFall
The Suite for violin, clarinet and piano was commissioned by the Verdehr Trio and composed in 1992. One notes the vivid Armenian character of the music which is always present in Arutiunian's style. The third movement opens with an intermezzo named Dialog for violin and clarinet which ends with a transition into the Finale. This movement contains the elements of Armenian dance rhythms with their capricious pulse and unexpected irregularities in a freely improvised melodic style.
Alexander Arutiunian (September 23, 1920 – March 28, 2012) was born in Erevan, Armenia (USSR) and was one of the best known and highly esteemed composers of the former Soviet Union. He studied composition and piano at the Armenian Conservatory and then perfected his skills with H. Litinsky in Moscow (1946-48). He was head of the composition department at Erevan State Conservatory for many years.
Arutiunian's works have won many prizes both nationally and internationally and are performed frequently throughout the world. Perhaps best known for the trumpet and violin concertos, his total output includes operas, cantatas, symphonic and chamber works.
Inspired by existing pieces for violin-clarinet-piano trio by 20th-century composers Bartók (Contrasts (Bartók)), Stravinsky, Milhaud, Khachaturian, Berg, Krenek, Poulenc and Ives, the Verdehr trio commissioned over 200 new works. They have commissioned violin-clarinet-piano trios by composers inculding: Leslie Bassett, Alan Hovhaness, Karel Husa, Thea Musgrave (Pierrot), Ned Rorem, and Gunther Schuller. Series II, hosted by Peter Schickele, includes trios by Alexander Arutiunian, David Diamond, William Bolcom, Betsy Jolas, Libby Larsen, Philippe Manoury, Gian Carlo Menotti, Peter Sculthorpe, Peter Schickele and Joan Tower.
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Recorded at Duke's Hall, Royal Academy of Music, London