Raimonds Pauls & Arno Babajanian Album | News

A new album featuring the music of Armenian composer Arno Babajanyan, as interpreted by Latvian Maestro Raimonds Pauls, has been released by the Mūsdienu mūzikas centrs (Contemporary Music Centre) on digital platforms, compact disc, and vinyl. The project, recorded at Latvian Radio 1 studio with Māris Briežkalns producing and Gustavs Ērenpreiss at the sound console, represents Pauls’ ongoing tribute to influential musical contemporaries.

A Continuing Homage

This release follows Pauls’ 2014 album, Raimonds Pauls Plays Giya Kancheli, which presented chamber music arrangements in a jazz style of compositions by Georgian composer Giya Kancheli. According to Pauls, “Arno Babajanyan’s music, with its depth and harmony, has inspired me for a long time.” He described Babajanyan as one of the leading composers of the 1960s, expressing a desire to remain faithful to the original melodies.

Chamber Jazz and Piano as Orchestra

Pauls characterizes the musical style as akin to the work of jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner, emphasizing the importance of each instrument – from piano to contrabass and drums. He also draws a parallel to his 2020 original music album, Pastaiga pa Rīgu (Walk Through Riga). “It is important to understand that This represents a chamber music version of Babajanyan’s music, because at the time it sounded much more broadly, with powerful vocals, orchestral strings…,” Pauls explained. “But my piano replaces both the vocalist and many of the instrumentalists. I was very happy to finally record these melodies.”

Did You Know? Arno Babajanyan, active in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, composed in various genres, including popular pop songs, and his music was often rooted in Armenian folklore.

The Legacy of Arno Babajanyan

Arno Babajanyan, who died in 1983, was a prolific composer during the mid-20th century, working across diverse genres and drawing inspiration from figures like Aram Khachaturian and Béla Bartók. He was also a skilled pianist who frequently performed his own compositions. The new album comprises nine tracks.

Collaboration and Recognition

The album was released in collaboration with Mhitaru Mhitarjanu, the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Latvia, and Armenu Gasabogljanu, the Honorary Consul of Latvia in Armenia. Tigrans Kanjans designed the album artwork. A presentation of the album took place on January 15th of this year at Latvian Radio, coinciding with the celebration of Maestro Pauls’ 70th anniversary in music. The event was attended by Latvian State President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, and Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce.

Expert Insight: Pauls’ decision to interpret Babajanyan’s work through a chamber jazz lens highlights a common practise among established artists – reinterpreting the work of peers to introduce it to new audiences and showcase its enduring qualities.

Raimonds Pauls Plays Arno Babajanyan is currently available on music streaming platforms and in music stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music did Arno Babajanyan compose?

Arno Babajanyan composed in various genres, including popular pop songs, and a significant portion of his music was based on Armenian folklore.

Where was the album recorded?

The album was recorded at Latvian Radio 1 studio.

Who attended the album presentation?

The album presentation was attended by Latvian State President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, and Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce.

How might this album contribute to a broader appreciation of Armenian musical heritage?