ARMEN TIGRANIAN's (1879-1950) DAVID-BEG

[swanekj]

I've now heard both recorded versions of this opera now, one on Parseghian records that can be purchased at http://www.abrilbooks.com/music/5449.html,
http://www.stvartanbookstore.com/browseproducts/David-Beg---Opera--Dbl.-Cd.html, and https://www.armenianmusic.com/itemdetails.html?products_id=5939, likely from the late 70s, and a mono recording with no date on it (Westminster label) likely from the 50s, and it is a truly great work.  Unlike other critics who suggest there is nothing other than his first opera, Anoush, David Beg is actually a considerable advance, which really should surprise no one, having been written 25 years later.  It sounds like a cross between Khatchaturian and Kabalevsky, with rousing choruses, arias, duets, ballet, and interludes.