HAYDN, Franz Joseph (1732-1809); AUT [all files] String Quartet in G, Hob.III:58, Op.54, No.1 1.Allegro con brio [5:07 · 4.7M] 2.Allegretto [6:24 · 5.9M] 3.Menuet [3:56 · 3.6M] 4.Finale:Presto [3:29 · 3.2M] KOMITAS, Vartapet (1869-1935); ARM [all files] Miniatures Haberban [1:17 · 1.2M] Karoun [3:08 · 2.9M] Shorer Djan [4:12 · 3.9M] Grounk [2:26 · 2.2M] Vararshapat [2:14 · 2.0M] Yerguink Ampela [2:44 · 2.5M] Keler Zoler [2:51 · 2.6M] Chouchigui [3:19 · 3.0M] Al Alalour [2:06 · 1.9M] Hoy Nazan [1:58 · 1.8M] Kele Kele [1:44 · 1.6M] SHOSTAKOVICH, Dmitri (1906-75); RUS [all files] String Quartet No.7 in F#-, Op.108 Allegretto [3:15 · 3.0M] Lento [3:35 · 3.3M] Allegro [5:59 · 5.5M]

Komitas State Quartet

The Komitas State Quartet, founded in Moscow in 1924 by a group of young Armenian string players, including two students at the Moscow Conservatory, is the oldest and most famous of all Armenian classical ensembles. The Quartet is named for Komitas (1869-1935), the great Armenian monk-composer (born Soghomon Soghomonian) credited for bringing a renaissance to Armenian music at the turn of the last century, not least through his collection and arrangement of over 3000 Armenian folk songs.

Since its foundation, the Komitas State Quartet has specialized in Russian and especially Armenian music, and their interpretations have long been celebrated for their beauty and sensitivity. Particularly well-known are the Quartet's transcriptions of many of the folk tunes arranged by Komitas, whereby this music has reached a large audience outside Armenia. For reasons such as this, the famed Armenian composer Aram Khatchaturian described the Komitas State Quartet as the "jewel of Armenian musical culture."

Throughout its history, the Komitas State Quartet has won numerous awards in Russian chamber music competitions, and has performed with celebrated European musicians, such as Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Emil Guilels. The Komitas State Quartet was also the first Soviet ensemble to perform abroad (1953). The current makeup of the Quartet - first violinist Edward Tatevossian, second violinist Souren Hakhnzarian, violist Alexander Gosemian, and cellist Simonian - is the third full generation of members. Each is a gifted soloist in his own right, and in their hands the reputation of the Quartet has only increased. All members are likewise associated with the Yerevan Conservatory of music. In recent years, they have toured the world, continuing to spread the beautiful works of their namesake, as well as other Russian and European masterworks. We are delighted to include their music here at the Classical Archives, and hope to add further recordings soon.

Reviews

      "We are convinced of the fact that this is one of the best string quartets in the world. Bravo, Komitas Quartet!"

Universale (Mexico)

      "It is a remarkable and delightful ensemble; the Komitas Quartet was a real sensation at the festival."

Svenska Tagblat (Sweden)

      "Four fascinating princes of violin, viola, and cello soared up to the sphere where reason and emotion merges into the united realms of faith and art. Eduard Tatevosyan, first violinist, who was a pupil of the great Leonid Kogan, and [Mr. Hakhnazarian, second violin] are genuine virtuosi, who are able to express the most sincere messages of classical music."

Le Dauphin Libéré (France)

Komitas State Quartet email: komitasquartet@mdp.am email: www.komitasquartet.mdp.am