World Classical Music
The show presents the masterpieces of classics in performance of distinguished musicians, as well as provides comprehensive information about the lives and works of composers and performers, their role and influence on further development of classical music.
Alfred Schnittke, Concert Based on the Words of Narekatsi
The episode is dedicated to the choral concert by Schnittke written on the basis of Narekatsi՛s «Book of Lamentation» According to the composer, «During the creation of the concert, Narekatsi՛s spirit hovered in my room… my pen was moved by Narekatsi».
Georg Philipp Telemann
The episode is dedicated to the life and work of George Telemann, a German composer and kapellmeister of the 17th-18th centuries. He was considered an “enlightener” of music: he was the organizer of the first secular concerts and the founder of the first “musical societies.” His rich art spans all genres of his time.
Music and Religion (Igor Stravinsky) (Part II)
The second part of this episode presents the translation of one of the chapters of Igor Stravinsky's book “Dialogues,” “Music and Religion,” in which the composer, in response to Robert Craft, expounds his philosophy of sacred music.
Music and Religion (Igor Stravinsky) (Part I)
The first part of this episode illustrates the crucial role of religion and faith in music, from the Psalms of David to Stravinsky and Schnittke. It also presents masterpieces of sacred music by Bach, Brahms, and Komitas.
Helmut Walcha
Famous German organist Helmut Walcha's life was a victory of spirit over matter. Before losing his vision, he would learn Bach's works by heart, keeping them in his memory. In this way, Walcha tried to keep the setting sun. This broadcast is about Walcha's life.
Heinrich Schütz, Simphoniae Sacrae
This episode is dedicated to Heinrich Schütz (16th c. - 17th c.), the founder of German opera, ballet and oratorio, and analyzes one of his Simphoniae Sacrae that is based on the words of Christ:
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mt, 11:28).
Tagh Singing
This episode is dedicated to medieval Armenian musical and poetic art. The taghs "Achkn Tsov i Tsov" by Grigor Narekatsi and "Parergutyun" by Harutyun Alamdaryan as well as the semantics and harmony of their lyrics and melodies are analyzed. Taghs are performed by Alexander Kosemyan, the violist of the Komitas Quartet.
Monody, Polyphony and Sacred Music (Part II)
In the second part of this episode, its author compares the possibilities of monody and polyphony, and based on various sources and his own observations, confirms the fact that polyphonic music is able to more comprehensively express the inner world of humans and their relationship with society, nature, and the Creator.
Monody, Polyphony and Sacred Music (Part I)
The first part of this episode presents the historical path taken by monodic music from its origin up to polyphony and homophony. The crucial role of the Church in this process is also emphasized․
Violinist Michael Rabin (1936-1972)
"An exceptional, inexhaustible talent"—this is how Michael Rabin was described by his teacher Ivan Galamian. The host of the program tells about prodigy Michael's life and activity, presents the violinist's achievements, and the originality of his art, the brilliant manifestation of which is the Tchaikovsky concert that sounds in this episode.
Nikolay Madoyan's "Bachiana"
This episode presents Bach's Partita No. 2 from violinist Nikolay Madoyan's "marathonian" solo concert, where he performed all of Bach's solo sonatas and partitas. This concert was just one of the parts in Madoyan's concert tour. Before that, he had performed all famous pieces of Armenian composers, all 10 sonatas by Beethoven, etc.
Two Songs — Mozart's "Violet" and Schubert's "Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel"
The first part of this issue is dedicated to the firstborn of classical romance, Mozart's song "Violet," and the second part presents Schubert's song "Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel." Both songs are based on Goethe's lyrics. If "Violet" is a dramatic scene, "Gretchen" is a tragic one. Both songs are innovative and dominated by purely musical laws and intermediate development, which is clearly expressed in the accompaniment. Both songs predetermined the further development of this genre.
Johannes Brahms
The episode is dedicated to the life and creative path of the German composer of the XIX century Johannes Brahms. In his works, the composer summed up the achievements of Western European music during the 500 years of its development.
Stepan Lusikyan, Golgotha (Part II)
The second part of the episode continues presenting the analysis of the form and content of the concert, revealing its influences and symbols, and deciphering their meaning. The episode ends with a recording of the author's performance of the concert with the Orchestra of Halle Opera House (conductor Roland Kluttig).
Stepan Lusikyan, Golgotha (Part I)
The Piano Concerto “Golgotha” is the “swan song” of the composer Stepan Lusikyan and, according to Svetlana Navasardyan, “the golden rose that he put on the pedestal of music.” The first part of this episode presents the musical field where this “golden rose” opened.
Mikayel Maluntsyan
This episode is dedicated to the prominent conductor and teacher Mikayel Maluntsyan. "Mikayel Maluntsyan is a musician with great erudition, and a first-class conductor," said Aram Khachaturian. While Jean Ter-Merguerian admitted that "playing with Mikayel Maluntsyan is happiness."
Komitas, By the Rivers of Babylon
The episode is dedicated to Komitas's cantata written on the basis of Psalm 137, which he created while studying at the Berlin Conservatory. The Psalm describes the tragedy of the Jews captured in Babylon, which was in tune with the state of Komitas’s spirit that was shaken by the 1896 Van massacre.
Richard Strauss, Salome
This episode is dedicated to the Opera "Salome" by Richard Strauss, which, according to Romain Rolland, is a "monstrous masterpiece." The opera reflects the beheading of John the Baptist at the request of Salome and by order of King Herod, and the subsequent events.
Johann Sebastian Bach, St. John Passion
This episode illustrates the idea, drama, and structure of St. John Passion by Bach, and deciphers the symbols found in it, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of this work.
Johann Sebastian Bach, The Organ Booklet
This episode presents "The Organ Booklet" by Bach—a collection of polyphonic arrangements of religious songs. According to A. Schweitzer, it is one of the greatest achievements of the entire music world, a dictionary of Bach's musical language, and a key to understand his art.