Sometimes there is a perfect match between repertoire, conductor, and orchestra: this album is one such example. Featuring the music from two ballets by Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, it is very accessible to those who claim they do not like classical music, as its 20th century tonalities and film score-like qualities completely draw the listener in. The first track is dramatic and grand, worthy of a gladiator like Spartacus, and it leads into an adagio that is ethereal with cellos and harps. Conductor Karabits gets a ...
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Sometimes there is a perfect match between repertoire, conductor, and orchestra: this album is one such example. Featuring the music from two ballets by Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, it is very accessible to those who claim they do not like classical music, as its 20th century tonalities and film score-like qualities completely draw the listener in. The first track is dramatic and grand, worthy of a gladiator like Spartacus, and it leads into an adagio that is ethereal with cellos and harps. Conductor Karabits gets a lush expressiveness from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, teasing out long, sweeping lines in the violins and creating extremes in mood and emotion. Expansive musical moments are indeed expansive, and poignant moments are appropriately lyrical and tender. Some of the tone color is reminiscent of Ravel's orchestral works, and there are strong dynamic contrasts that keep the listener attentive. It does not take a great stretch of the imagination to visualize the dancers playfully...
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