Aram KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978)
Violin Concerto in D minor op. 46 (1939) [36:00]
Piano Concerto in D flat major op. 38 (1936) [37:29]
Boris Gutnikov (violin)
Annette Servadei (piano)
USSR Large Symphony Orchestra/Konstantin Ivanov
London Philharmonic Orchestra/Joseph Giunta
rec. Moscow Radio Studio No. 1, 1981 (violin concerto) ADD; Wembley Studios,
10-12 October 1987 (piano concerto). DDD
REGIS RRC 1300 [73:43] 
Here are Khachaturian's two most famous concertos conveniently and generously
coupled. They remind us that this composer stands as a sort of spiritual ethnic
descendant of Borodin – troubadour, celebrant, poet, accelerant and exhilarant.
The analogue Gutnikov has not – so far as I can tell - previously seen the
light of day on CD. The Servadei began life as a Hyperion project in which
form it was issued as CDA66293. The Piano Concerto is here rather statuesque
and measured. In the Prokofiev-bright finale things occasionally lumber although
the quicker pages are rendered with engaging brilliance. Servadei makes much
of the Andante with its ‘Nights in the Gardens of Yerevan’ fragrance - some
lovely poetic touches. Also you can distinctly hear the famous flexatone part
- not something that can be said of every recording.
Vitebsk-born Boris Gutnikov (1931-1986) is little heard of. What else did
he record beyond the Britten, Brahms Double with Rostropovich and the Bach
and Mozart violin concertos? He is no mean player. His conductor, the underrated
Konstantin Ivanov died in the same year as Gutnikov. Here the two are almost
equal partners with Khachaturian's many strands of lyric filigree - especially
for the wind instruments - adding a delectable descant to the solo’s limelight.
It's a neon-bright recording but glorious if occasionally dazzlingly bright.
A few moments into the finale and it’s time for the aural 'shades'.
The notes are thorough and thoroughly good. Peter Avis and Regis are to be
congratulated.
We have heard very little about Joseph Giunta. This American conductor currently
holds the chief position with the Des Moines symphony. With that orchestra
he has recorded the Beethoven nine symphonies (2003-4) as well as the Earl
Wild Doo-Dah Variations and the Gershwin Piano Concerto. He also partnered
Servadei in 1982 in a recording of the Britten piano concerto with the LPO.
As for Konstantin Ivanov (1907-1986) this must presumably have been among
his last recordings. He should be best known for his elite recording of Miaskovsky's
Symphony No. 5 - unmatched even by Svetlanov – indeed especially by Svetlanov.
And yes I am curious to hear Ivanov's Glazunov. I think he recorded the Fifth
Symphony. Let’s also have the chance to catch his promisingly titled tone
poem Fiery Years.
Gutnikov’s reading of the Violin Concerto is worthy to stand alongside the
Oistrakhs and Kogans. Servadei delivers a most poetic and reflective performance
heard in exalted eloquence in the Andante.
Regis and its satellite labels have established not so much a Russian music
niche as a whole deep set of shelves. We must hope that they will continue.
Rob Barnett
Vitality and poetry in these Russo-Armenian concertos.