• [1] Toccata (1932) 4:44
• [2] Poem (1927) 9:22

Two Pieces (1926) (3:33)

• [3] I. Valse-caprice 2:09
• [4] II. Dance 1:22

Sonatina (1959) (8:51)

• [5] I. Allegro giacoso 1:44
• [6] II. Andante con anima,
  rubato 3:53
• [7] III. Allegro mosso 3:10

Ten Children’s Pieces (1964)

• [8] I. Skipping rope 0:31
• [9] II. An Evening Tale 1:33
• [10] III. Oriental Dance 1:08
• [11] IV. Barsik on the Swings 1:04

Ten Children’s Pieces (cont.)

• [12] V. Playing the Tambourine 1:32
• [13] VI. Two Funny Aunties
  Quarrelling

1:18

• [14] VII. Funeral Procession 3:45
• [15] VIII. Rhythmic Gymnastics 1:05
• [16] IX. Toccata 2:13
• [17] X. Fugue 2:07

Sonata (1961 original version)

• [18] I. Allegro vivace 7:48
• [19] II. Andante tranquillo 13:38
• [20] III. Allegro assai 9:16
• [21] Waltz from “Maskarade” 4:15

“Tarasova is one of Russia’s best kept secrets … [The] Concerto-Rhapsody is a big-boned cello concerto in all but name and soloist Marina Tarasova was made for the part; bold and gutsy and taking the work by the scruff of the neck. … Recommendable for Tarasova’s amazing performances.”
— Michael Cookson, Musicweb International

Born in Armenia in 1903, Aram Khachaturian showed early interest in music and left his native country for Moscow where he learned to read Russian and entered music school at the Gnessin Institute. At the Moscow Conservatory, he studied both cello and composition with Glière, Gnessin and Miaskovsky. His music, strongly influenced by folk music of his native Armenia, was built on what author David Ewen descruibes as “[t]he intonations, the rhythmic patterns, the oriental colourings, and the dramatic emotional contrasts found in Armenian folk songs and dances are the predominant traits of Khachaturian’s music.”

Originally released on Olympia Records to strong critical acclaim, the recording showcases the talent of cellist Marina Tarasova, who has been hailed as “one of Russia’s best kept secrets” by Musicweb International.