Spartacus & Gayaneh Ballets (excerpts)

"Karabits is notably good on the contrast between Roman decadence and revolutionary nobility...though Karabits is more interested in love than armies, the one fight scene he includes is electrifying...But it's the hair-raising Lezginka, placed earlier, that leaves you open-mouthed."
(Guardian)

"the consistently rewarding feature is the way that Karabits so astutely guides the BSO in terms of colour, rhythm and shapely phrasing, bringing admirable delicacy to these scores as well as the ripeness for which they are renowned."
(Daily Telegraph)

"[Karabits] is totally sympathetic to Khachaturian's music and includes most of the best numbers from both ballets...This is now easily the best disc of Khachaturian's music in the catalogue, full of vibrant life and seductive lyricism, and the recording (made this year in the Lighthouse, Poole) is first class in every respect. Not to be missed."
(Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice Feb 2011)

'Not a hair of a note was out of place; this was a performance by a world-class orchestra' The Times

Kirill Karabits is without doubt one of the most exciting conductors of the younger generation.

Now principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, his reputation over two seasons has continued to spread around the world, and the steady stream of great artists working with him and the BSO is testament to his artistry and huge talent.

This CD is the first release in the new partnership between the BSO and ONYX.

Khachaturian's vividly colourful and deliciously tuneful ballet scores have been popular as orchestral showpieces ever since the ballets had their premieres.

Kirill has made his own selection from the score, and those who want the famous Adagio from Spartacus and the Sabre Dance from Gayaneh will not be disappointed!

The second BSO release from ONYX will appear in 2011, and the programme will be Tchaikovsky's Second Symphony and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.