"Aram Khachaturian became our certificate of civilization": today is composer's birthday

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS. One of the greatest composers of all times, conductor, legend... June 6 is Aram Khachaturian's birthday. One of the greatest names in the art of music has left a great influence on the history of culture. “He became the big denial of our myth of smallness, became the symbol of measuring our small people with the great ones… Became our certificate of civilization…” – Hamo Sahyan said about the renowned composer.

As reports “Armenpress”, last year in Armenia and the whole world the 110th anniversary of the famous composer was celebrated with many festive events. The festivities continued this year. Khachaturian's works were heard around the world.

At the end of 2013, an album comprising Aram Khachaturian's diverse musical heritage was introduced to the public. It was released in the frames of Aram Khachaturian's 110th anniversary celebrations and events on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia.

Aram Khachaturian was born on June 6, 1903 in Kojori. In 1921, the eighteen-year-old Khachaturian moved toMoscowand enrolled at theGnessin Musical Institute. In 1929, Khachaturian entered theMoscow Conservatoryto study composition underNikolai Myaskovskyand orchestration underSergei Vasilenko. Beginning with his earliest works, Khachaturian extensively used Armenian folk music in his compositions. Khachaturian's works span a broad range of musical types, including ballets, symphonies, concertos, and numerous film scores. Khachaturian's works include concertos forviolin,celloandpianoas well as concerto-rhapsodies for the same instruments.Most of his works are saturated with centuries-old motifs of Armenian culture.His works paved the way for new styles and daring explorations. His colorful orchestration technique, admired by Shostakovich and others in the past, is still noted for its freshness and vitality by modern composers. Khachaturian's influence can be traced in nearly all trends of Armenian classical traditions, whether in symphonic or chamber music. Thephilharmonichall of theYerevan Opera Theateris officially called the Aram Khachaturian Grand Concert Hall since 1978.TheHouse-Museum of Aram Khachaturianwas opened in Yerevan in 1982.Music schoolsare named after Khachaturian in Tbilisi,Moscow,Yerevanand smaller Armenian cities.Streets in Yerevan,Tbilisi,Moscow,AstanaandSimferopolare also named after Khachaturian.