Small in form yet rich in artistic significance, these delightful Armenian works for violin and piano are both evocative and songful. Komitas Vardapet’s poetic examples include Krounk (‘The Crane’), the anthemic symbol of the motherland, whilst Khachaturian is represented by his enticing Dance in B flat major, his first ever work, and by violin arrangements from his popular ballet Gayane. This album presents some of Armenia’s finest composers in a programme of nostalgic evocations, folkloric infusions and exquisite melodies.

This recording is violinist Nikolay Madoyan’s debut album for Naxos. In 2017 he was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for the ‘The Longest Violin Performance’ which lasted for 33 hours, 2 minutes and 41 seconds.

Pianist Armine Grigoryan was awarded medals of the Ministry of Culture of Poland and Armenia, and is the director of the Aram Khachaturian Museum. She tours internationally with the Aram Khachaturian Trio.