Nikoghayos Tigranian (1856-1951) belongs to the first generation of composers and folk song collectors who laid the foundation of an Armenian national style. Tigranian’s piano transcriptions of folk dances are perhaps his most important legacy, emulating folk instruments and capturing and preserving colourful depictions of Armenian folk life that are simple in texture and rich with harmonic and melodic detail. His interest also extended to Persian improvisational vocal-instrumental poems or mugams; expressive pieces that influenced contemporaries and subsequent generations of composers.

‘Another world opens out for the curious.’ – MusicWeb International on Barkhudarian (GP775)

‘graciously and sensitively performed, and well recorded’ – Fanfare on Komitas (GP720)

‘a wide palette of tonal color, fine virtuosity, and consummate musicianship’ – American Record Guide on Stepanian (GP760)