Khachaturian - Toccata For Piano Book

Piano / Certificate of Performance / List D

• Tokkata [Toccata]

Piano for Leisure / Certificate of Performance / Open Manual list

• Tokkata

Who was Aram Ilyich Khachaturian?

Aram Ilyich Khachaturian (1903–1978) was an Armenian composer and conductor, and one of the leading Soviet composers of the 20th century. He was born in Tiflis (now Tbilisi), Georgia, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Khachaturian is best known for the ballets he composed, such as "Gayane," which features the famous "Sabre Dance," and "Spartacus," both of which have been adapted into various suites for orchestra.

Khachaturian's music is characterised by bold rhythms, vivid orchestration, and often, the incorporation of Armenian folk music themes or scales. Although he was initially aligned with the artistic goals of the Soviet Union and even received numerous state honours, he fell into disfavour during the late 1940's when he was denounced, along with other composers like Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev, for the alleged "formalism" in his music. However, Khachaturian was later "rehabilitated" and continued to compose and conduct until his death.

His work spans a variety of musical genres, including symphonies, concertos, and film music, in addition to ballets. His compositions for piano, such as the "Toccata," have also entered the standard repertoire and are considered technical and expressive showcases for the instrument. Khachaturian's music remains widely performed and is considered a significant contribution to 20th-century classical music, particularly in the realm of ballet and film music.