Aram Khatchaturian

Aram Khatchaturian (1903-1978) was a Soviet-Armenian composer who is widely known for his ballet music, orchestral works and concertos. His style was based on traditional Armenian and Caucasian folk music, blending elements of Russian, classical, jazz and folk music.

One of Khatchaturian's most well-known works is his ballet score for "Spartacus", which premiered in 1956 and has become a staple of the classical repertoire. Other notable works include the ballets "Gayane" (1942) and "Masquerade" (1941), the Violin Concerto in D Minor (1940), and the Piano Concerto in D-flat Major (1936).

His albums include "Aram Khatchaturian: Complete Works" (2002) and "The Essential Aram Khatchaturian" (2006). Standout songs from these albums include "Sabre Dance" from the ballet Gayane, "Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia" from the ballet Spartacus, and "Sabre Dance (Dance of the Rose Maidens)" from Masquerade.

An interesting fact about Khatchaturian is that he composed the national anthem of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1945. The anthem was used until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.