Arno Babajanyan… that name is well known to music lovers. The creator of many beautiful songs, music for films, A. Babajanyan has written many chamber pieces – for piano, violin, cello, which are also often heard in concerts. There was, however, another aspect of his work, which, unfortunately, was less well known, which was his performance.
Arno Babajanyan graduated from the piano faculty of the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied under the wonderful musician K. N. Igumnov, who greatly appreciated his talent. And indeed, nature has generously endowed Babajanyan with big soft hands, impeccable hearing and memory, great temperament, a sense of measure…
During his student years, A. Babajanyan systematically performed at open evenings and exams, always arousing the students’ admiration for his work. He was particularly successful in his work in the romantic direction – Chopin, Schumann, Rachmaninoff… The game was notable for its simplicity, in the high meaning of the concept, and for its remarkable insight. Playing music of different styles, he always brought something of his own, only his own – improvisation. I have known the composer for many years, and I remember an episode of student life. In one of the translation examinations, it was necessary to play, in addition to the compulsory programme, a small work, learned independently, without the assistance of a teacher.
But Babajanyan didn’t know about it. When, after a well-played program, the chairman of the board of examiners offered to perform a self-taught play, Babajanyan became somewhat confused, then began to play. The Commission was puzzled because the style of music was clearly Skryabin, but no one knew the play itself. Arno later admitted that he improvised in the style of Skryabin. This case was remembered by many as evidence of Babajanyan’s rare improvisational gift.
Arno Babajanyan acts as a performer of his own works. Written in different years, they differ in style and character. However, many of the plays are based on Armenian national melos, whether it is the Six Pictures, the Wagarshampat Dance or even the Polyphonic Sonata.
Babajanyan wrote, of course, according to his spiritual aspirations, his technical abilities. The possibilities were very great, so a number of works represent a hard-to-reach performing apex. Big artist, big artist, Arno Babajanyan created in each play a different image world, which is probably the most difficult performing task.
Sergey Rachmaninoff – 10 Preludes, Op. 23: 6 in E-Flat Major. Andante
Arno Babajanyan, piano Excerpt from the television programme Musicians on music. Arno Babajanyan (1982)
