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Salon No. 1


Details

Vartan Mailiantz full profile / Violin, Viola, string quintet / 7 musicians

Other players: Alexandra Andreeva, Filip Pogádi, Peyton Cook, Thomas Brown, Caitlin Thomas, Nathaniel Grohmann


Full program notes

  1. Tomaso Antonio Vitali - Chaconne (Arr. for violin & viola by Yuri Tkanov)
  2. Pyotr Ilyich Tchakovsky - The Nutcracker
  3. Kurt Magnus Atterberg - Suite No. 3 for violin, viola, and chamber orchestra
  4. Aram Khachaturian - Waltz from Masquerade

Historical context

Tomaso Antonio Vitali’s Chaconne, originally composed for violin and continuo, stands as one of the most celebrated works of the Baroque period, renowned for its profound emotional depth and virtuosic demands. While its origins have sparked debate due to its uncharacteristically Romantic elements, the Chaconne remains a timeless favorite, captivating audiences with its dramatic structure and expressive range. In this special arrangement for violin and viola by Yuri Tkanov, the Chaconne is reimagined with a striking interplay between the two instruments. The violin’s brilliance is complemented by the viola’s rich, sonorous timbre, adding new layers of harmonic texture and nuance to the piece. Tkanov’s arrangement masterfully distributes the melodic and harmonic responsibilities between the two instruments, allowing each to explore the work’s grandeur and complexity. This interpretation offers a fresh perspective on Vitali’s iconic work, presenting a dynamic and compelling performance

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is one of the most beloved and iconic works in the classical repertoire, known for its enchanting melodies and vivid orchestration. Premiered in 1892, this two-act ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and has since become a holiday tradition worldwide. With timeless pieces like the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, and the magical March, Tchaikovsky masterfully captures the wonder and fantasy of a child’s dreamlike adventure through a world of toys, sweets, and whimsical characters. The ballet’s sweeping, romantic score combines delicate charm with grand, dramatic moments, offering an enduring experience that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Kurt Magnus Atterberg’s Suite No. 3 for Violin, Viola, and Chamber Orchestra is a remarkable composition that fuses the lush, romantic character of early 20th-century Swedish music with the refined structure of classical forms. Written in 1925, this suite exemplifies Atterberg’s mastery in crafting vibrant orchestral textures while allowing the violin and viola to engage in a dynamic and lyrical conversation. The work’s sweeping melodies and intricate interplay between the soloists and orchestra showcase the composer’s exceptional ability to balance grandeur with intimacy. Despite its beauty and sophistication, Suite No. 3 remains rarely performed, making each rendition a truly special occasion. The US premiere of this hidden gem offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a work that combines both lyrical subtlety and bold, sweeping gestures, contributing to its significance in the chamber orchestra repertoire.

Aram Khachaturian’s Waltz from Masquerade is a vibrant and sweeping orchestral piece, renowned for its lively rhythms and rich melodic lines. Composed in 1941 as part of the incidental music for Mikhail Lermontov's play Masquerade, the waltz quickly gained popularity for its elegance and dramatic flair. With its dynamic contrasts and exuberant energy, Khachaturian’s waltz is infused with a sense of grandeur and festivity, capturing both the joy and underlying tension of a masquerade ball. The lush orchestration and captivating melody make it one of the most recognizable pieces in the composer’s oeuvre, embodying the spirit of Romanticism while maintaining Khachaturian’s distinctive Armenian musical influence. It is a timeless work that continues to enchant audiences with its irresistible charm and grandeur.


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