Khatachurian Flute Concerto

[lianeandflute]

What do people think of this concerto?
I've recently become fascinated by it, what does everyone else think?

I love the distinct folk Russian/Armenian feel to it!

Also, any recommendations for recordings to listen to? Pahud did a good one and I LOVE Oistrakh's recording (although this is obviously violin, not flute).

[remnantpark]

I love the Khatchaturian Concerto! It is a VERY cool piece! I love the 3rd movement in particular. He is just a great composer in general. You should also check out his Adagio from Spartacus, the woodwind solos are breathtaking! His piano pieces such as Toccata are also very cool.

I actually haven't really heard any recordings besides the Pahud version and Oistrakh rendition (and yeah...Oistrakh, he is a STUNNING violin player, I have lots of his CDs, even though I am not a violin player). I really love Pahud's playing as well. Pahud always plays very tastefully, imo. (And he is also very good looking )

[wkzh]

It's a wonderful concerto! Other than some strange drags here and there.

However a problem with playing it on flute is the choice of the arrangement. The Rampal one is known to be a little impractical because of the low range, so the Galway one tries to remedy it by flinging it octaves up. IMHO, neither work out too well, so I write my own arrangement.

I kinda wonder why Galway HAD to write it so high, it's not like his low range can't be heard. Pahud is obviously "amplified" in his recording, and I think they killed of the percussion a bit. It be nice to hear the cymbals and the timpani in full flare. I almost got mislead on the rhythm of the 3rd movement because of that!

[Jacksonmelkor]

It's a wonderful concerto! Other than some strange drags here and there.

Agreed. At the very least you can say its strange ideosyncracies give it a lot of character, which I love.

[lianeandflute]

just on

I really love Pahud's playing as well. Pahud always plays very tastefully, imo. (And he is also very good looking )

Having just seen him at a masterclass, I can confirm that!

He does always play very tastefully, although sometimes I feel that everything is so tasteful that it all just becomes "very nice." I can take it in small doses, a bit like chocolate cake, haha! This is not to say he is not an interpretive master! I really do love him as well.

[Bo]

Thanks for the tip! You inspired me and I am going to play it too.

[lianeandflute]

haha that's so cool. i'm determined to learn it soon.

[Bo]

I am enjoying it! It is really nice!

[saacbeser]

You inspired me and I am going to play it too.