Mikael Ayrapetyan, the pianist on this recording, is dedicated to popularizing Armenian classical music, organizing concerts globally and acting as producer, artistic director, and pianist.
Recording & Production
This album features the world premiere recording of Haro Stepanian's 26 Preludes.
Compositional Technique
Some of Haro Stepanian's Preludes imitate specific Armenian folk instruments, such as the tār (a type of lute) and the dhol (a double-headed drum).
Composer's Artistic Vision
Haro Stepanian deeply loved Armenian folk music, describing it as the voice of his native country's heart and soul, and viewed it as a living being.
Composer Biography
Haro Stepanian was awarded the Stalin Prize, third class, in 1951 for his opera Heroine and was named People's Artist of the Armenian SSR in 1960.
Composer Biography
Haro Stepanian, the composer, trained at the Gnessin Music College in Moscow alongside Aram Khachaturian, another prominent Armenian composer.
Critical Reception
Haro Stepanian was highly regarded in Armenian musical culture, with fellow composer Edward Mirzoyan stating that his works are "some of the most original phenomena of Armenian music."
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