Complete edition of Khachatur Avetisyan's songs published in USA

YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, ARMENPRESS. Khachatur Avetisyan's 53 works have been enclosed in book titled "Songs by Khachatur Avetisyan", which was introduced in Armenia for the first time on August 29. As reports "Armenpress" the initiative of publishing the book belongs to the prominent composer's son – Mikayel Avetisyan. "The edition contains all the songs of the composer. Previously his 5-6 songs were published in a small book, notwithstanding the complete edition was never published. The book is a result of hard work, which took a couple of years. The book was published due to the support of the administration of "Kohar" Symphony Orchestra & Choir. The majority of the songs were created in association with famous poet Ludwig Duryan, who used to call Avetisyan 'contemporary Komitas'," Mikayel Avetisyan noted.

Khachatur Avetisyan (1926–1996) was born in Leninakan, Armenian SSR (now Gyumri, Armenia). He graduated from the Yerevan State Musical Conservatorywhere he studied composition with professor Edvard Mirzoyan. At age 25 he was the first Armenian composer honored with gold medals in the Berlin and Moscow international competitions. In addition to his studies in classical music, Avetisyan became an authority in Armenian folk music and traditional instruments, especially the kanun. He composed the first Concerto for Kanun and Symphony Orchestra in 1954. Avetisyan dedicated his creative life to researching and developing the performance practice of the Armenian folk music.

Avetisyan founded the Folk Music Department of the Komitas National Conservatory in 1978 where, under his guidance, an entire generation of master instrumentalists were trained. He created numerous famous songs, ballet, oratorio, film and dance music, as well as a large number of works for various folk instruments. His brilliant melodic work reveal a refined lyricism. In 1958 he assumed the role of the artistic director of National Dance Ensemble, and later, the Tatoul Altunian Song and Dance Ensemble, where his new folk instrumental and vocal music became a staple of the repertory.