VACHE SHARAFIAN (b.1966): Suite for Cello and Orchestra, SUREN ZAKARIAN (b.1956): Monograph for Cello and Orchestra, ARAM KHACHATURIAN (1903-1978): Concerto-Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, KOMITAS (1869-1935): The Crane (arr. Sharafian).

Description: Zakarian's Monograph consists of a series of searching, long-phrased monologues for the soloist, several times interrupted by the orchestra, which then takes over the argument, all dark-hued brooding and anguish. Some degree of repose is afforded by the gently nostalgic central section, and the ending offers a glimmer of hope. Sharafyan's 'Suite' contains much more of the Armenian 'local colour' long associated with Khachaturian, with folk-like modal inflections to the melodic line. The work is laid out in analogous form to the Baroque suite, but harmonically it has much more in common with late 19th and early 20th-century late-flowering romanticism. Alexander Chaushian (cello), Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra; Eduard Topchian.