Gems from Armenia

The Aznavoorian sisters, cellist Ani and pianist Marta, have independently established successful international careers and have also concertized together for decades. For their first recording as a duo, they’ve assembled a program that celebrates their Armenian heritage. Much of the recital comprises short pieces tinged with longing, sadness, and a sense of place. The two composers that may be familiar to general listeners are Aram Khachaturian and the revered Komitas Vartabed. Others include Arno Babajanian, Serouj Kradjian, Alexander Arutiunian, Vache Sharafyan, and Avet Terterian, whose Sonata for Cello and Piano channels the same musical ethos of the briefer works in a more substantial package. The soulful melodies that characterize much of the material are typically played in the cello’s upper range and Ani Aznavoorian’s almost-human instrumental sonority is ineffably beautiful. Peter Boyer composed the final work on the CD for this album—Mount Ararat was inspired by the troubled history of that majestic locale. Along with producer and label founder James Ginsburg, engineer Bill Maylone is responsible for spectacular sound, especially the piano that’s recorded with clarity and exceptional low register weight.