Alexander Arutunian facts for kids
Alexander Arutiunian (born September 23, 1920, in Yerevan; died March 28, 2012) was an Armenian composer and pianist. He is especially famous for his exciting Trumpet Concerto. He won many important awards, including the State Prizes of the USSR (in 1949) and Armenia (in 1970). He was also given special titles like People's Artist of the USSR (in 1970) and Armenian SSR (in 1964). He received several Armenian medals, such as "St Mesrop Mashtots" and "Khorenatsi," for his great contributions to music.
A Life in Music
Alexander Arutiunian started his musical journey at the Music Conservatory of Yerevan. After that, he studied how to compose music with Genrikh Litinsky. Once he finished his studies, he went back to Yerevan. There, he taught at the local Conservatory. Later, he became the artistic director of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, which meant he helped guide their musical performances.
In 1948, he won the USSR State Prize for a piece called Motherland. This was a cantata, which is a special type of music for singers and instruments. He wrote it as a student at the Moscow Conservatory. He continued to receive praise for his music both in Armenia and around the world. Many of his works were inspired by the traditional folk sounds of Armenian music.
Famous Musical Works
Some of Arutiunian's pieces for wind instruments are very well-known internationally. These include his concerto for trumpet from 1950, a concerto for tuba, and a brass quintet called Armenian Scenes. A quintet is a piece of music for five instruments. These works are often performed by famous conductors like Valeri Gergiev. Gergiev even recorded Arutiunian's Symphony for a large orchestra, which was composed in 1957. In 1988, Arutiunian wrote his Violin Concerto, which he named "Armenia-88."
Music for Films
Alexander Arutiunian also composed music for several films.
- Nahapet (1977), also known as Life Triumphs in the USA.
- Za chas do rassveta (An Hour Before the Dawn, 1973, for TV).
- Sirtn e yergum (The Heart Sings, 1957).
- Urvakannere heranum en lernerits (Ghosts Leave the Peaks, 1955).
- Aleph, lectures contades (2000), an Italian TV episode that used his "Concerto for trombone and orchestra" as part of its soundtrack.
Images for kids
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Arutiunian's tombstone
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Arutiunian's memorial plaque in Yerevan
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Arutiunian on a 2020 stamp of Armenia
