Alexander Arutjunjan

Concerto

The four movements of this concerto, written in 1988 and first performed in Erevan in 1989 by virtuoso Rouben Aharonian, especially illustrate the expressive fugal characteristics of the great Armenian composer. The first movement (Andante sostenuto) is intense and dramatic, a kind of serene lyric heroicism. The second (Allegretto scherzando) is a capricious 3/4, very vigorously rhythmic, producing a kind of furious and relentless gaiety. The third (Adagio recitativo), of great harmonic beauty, allows the violin to use all its expressive resources. It is a song of infinite charm which reveals all the sensitivity of the Armenian soul. The final Allegro molto of the 4th movement is a bravura piece whose diabolical and stunning progression achieves a wonderfully successful apotheosis. There is a superb recording of the work by Russian violinist Ilya Grubert with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Constantine Orbelian.