Chukhajian faced persecution under Ottoman Turkey, with his songs banned and obstacles placed on his operas, leading to his music being largely forgotten after his death.
Performer Biography
Mikael Ayrapetyan, the pianist on this recording, is the founder and artistic director of 'Secrets of Armenia', a project promoting Armenian classical music internationally.
Composer Biography
Tigran Chukhajian was the first Armenian musician to receive a professional European education and the first to merge Eastern and Western musical cultures.
Composer Biography
Tigran Chukhajian died in poverty in Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey) in 1898, with all his manuscripts and personal items sold to pay debts.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Italian critic Riccardo Toren stated that Chukhajian 'founded a new school of music, merging Eastern national melodies with European techniques'.
Critical Reception
Tigran Chukhajian, the largest Armenian composer of the 19th century, was referred to as the 'Armenian Verdi' by his contemporaries.
Recording & Production
This album is a world premiere recording of Tigran Chukhajian's piano works.
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