Symphony n° 2 of Khatchatourian

The Second symphony (1943) of Aram Khatchatourian is most famous from its three Symphonie S. Monumentale and pathetic, it is a “patriotic” symphony and of war, near in the spirit and the tone to the Symphonie n° 7 of Chostakovitch and Symphonie n° 5 of Prokofiev. Contrary to the symphonies n° 1 and 3, it is of traditional cut, having a structure in four movements of a great orthodoxy. It misses, in fact, of the odd and original character of the First, replaced here by a gravity of a little stiff remarks and a solemnity. Just like the symphonies of his/her two colleagues, the composition evolves through provisional conflicts, defeats and victories to a triumphal end - here rather invocation that report, being given the year of the composition.

Work begins in an unforgettable way with a series of violent one agreements and dissonant supported by bells, mixes alarm bell and knell. Besides the periodic and always judicious return of these agreements in the symphony are worth with this one the nickname “the Bells”.

Selective discography

Two major versions of work are those of the Philharmonic orchestra of Vienna directed by Khatchatourian him even and that of the Royal National orchestra of Scotland directed by Neeme Järvi. The latter is shown more sober, but uses of the first version of the Finale and not its revised version, sometimes considered as finer.

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