Overview

Richard Yardumian ARMENIAN SUITE/SYMPHONY NO.2 – PHCD112

The Utah Symphony Orchestra  Armenian Suite

Varujan Kojian, conductor            Symphony No. 2 (Psalms)

Lili Chookasian, contralto

Richard Yardumian, a Philadelphia‑based composer of Armenian heritage, developed a musical language rooted in lyricism, spiritual intensity, and modal color. The Armenian Suite draws directly on traditional Armenian folk themes, shaping them into a vibrant and accessible orchestral tapestry. The Symphony No. 2 (Psalms)—heard here in its rare 1981 revision—expands from an earlier setting of Psalm 130 and includes a second movement written specifically for contralto Lili Chookasian. This Phoenix USA release presents the only recording of the revised score, performed with conviction by the Utah Symphony under Varujan Kojian.

“The Armenian Suite”, as you might expect, is based heavily on Armenian folk themes. It is great fun to listen to it. The symphony began life as a single-movement setting of Psalm 130. It later grew to include a second movement with this text being written specifically for Lili Chookasian.

This is the only recording of the 1981 revision of the symphony, so there hasn’t been any competition in that respect. Kojian gives a sympathetic reading of both works. Chookasian is effective, but her voice was beginning to show some strains most notably in too much vibrato when under stress. The Phoenix USA recording seems to be clean and well balanced. Recommended.

John Bauman, Fanfare Magazine

Varujan Kojian — conductor

Lili Chookasian — contralto

The Utah Symphony Orchestra

Richard Yardumian — composer