Album Notes

Studio Nova Records is proud to present the reissue of Komitas Quartet's "Komitas - Haydn - Shostakovitch" album, originally released in 1994. Showcasing some of the most popular compositions of the Armenian legendary ethnomusicologist, Komitas Vardapet, Komitas Quartet's masterful performance on this recording is truly a unique and an engaging one. The album also features quartet music of Haydn and Shostakovitch.

Established in 1924 at the Moscow State Tchaykovsky Conservatory by four talented Armenian students, Komitas State Quartet celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2004. The oldest quartet of Viennese school among existing in the world has recently applied to Guinness World Records for official recognition of that fact and the request has been approved as unique.
All musicians of the quartet play Guarnerius instruments, Andrea and Pietro, of 17 and 18 centuries and their skill is so brilliant that it has always created overwhelming response in all countries of the world they toured, over 70 in total. True ambassadors of Armenian culture, Komitas State Quartet produce a unique sound distinct, vivid and original.