Oscar Levant helped popularize the music of Aram Khachaturian and George Gershwin in mid-century America through his many concert appearances and recordings.
Composer Biography
Aram Khachaturian, an Armenian composer, was one of the leading composers of the Soviet Union, best known for his ballets like 'Gayane' and 'Spartacus'.
Composer Biography
Oscar Levant, a pianist and composer, was a Hollywood star known for his film and television appearances, bridging the worlds of music and film.
Performer Biography
The pianist on this album, Raffi Besalyan, is an award-winning artist and Associate Professor of Piano at Georgia State University.
Compositional Technique
Earl Wild's Virtuoso Etudes based on Gershwin songs combine clear melodic lines with virtuosic piano textures, sometimes featuring multiple tempos simultaneously.
Album & Artwork
This album is a tribute to Aram Khachaturian, a musical figure from Armenia, and George Gershwin, a musical genius from the United States.
Recording & Production
The album includes a world premiere recording of Oscar Levant's jazzy Sonatina.
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