Aram Khachaturian

USSR, 1926–1978

Armenian-Soviet composer (1903-1978). He combined Armenian and Caucasian folk idioms with late-Romantic orchestration, and is best known for the ballets Gayane, containing the 'Sabre Dance', and Spartacus. He taught at the Gnessin Institute and the Moscow Conservatory.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Aram Khachaturian and 1 artist Aram Khachaturian influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Aram Khachaturian?

• Nikolai Myaskovsky — Khachaturian studied composition under Nikolai Myaskovsky at the Moscow Conservatory from 1929 — his principal teacher and the mentor who shaped his craft.
• Maurice Ravel — As a young composer Khachaturian was strongly influenced by contemporary Western music, particularly Maurice Ravel's lush, colourful orchestration.
• Sergei Prokofiev — Sergei Prokofiev visited Myaskovsky's class in 1933 and was so amazed by Khachaturian's work that he took it to Paris to be performed — a formative encounter and influence.

Which artists did Aram Khachaturian influence?

• Mikael Tariverdiev — Tariverdiev studied composition under Aram Khachaturian at the Gnessin Institute and became his favourite student — Khachaturian's blend of folk colour and Western technique shaped his lyrical style.