Djansug Kakhidze, Conductor Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra
Nodar Gabunia, Piano
Cat.No: CGC 035-2
Format: 2 CDs, jewel box in slip case
Total time: 122:49
CD 1
Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D 485
(1) I. Allegro 07:20
(2) II. Andante con moto 14:58
(3) III. Menuetto 04:56
(4) IV. Allegro vivace 05:37
Symphony No. 7 (8) D 759 „Unfinished“
(5) I. Allegro moderato 11:30
(6) II. Andante con moto 14:26
CD 2
Symphony No. 8 (9) in C major D 944 „The Great“
(1) I. Andante – Allegro ma non troppo 17:14
(2) II. Andante con moto 14:45
(3) III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace – Trio 09:48
(4) IV. Finale. Allegro vivace 11:54
Die Zauberharfe (Rosamunde)
(5) Overture D 644 10:03
Nodar Gabunia (1933-2000) dominated the Georgian music scene in the latter decades of the 20th century. While still in his twenties, he caught the ear of Dmitri Shostakovich, who described him as one of the most talented composers of his generation. After graduating with honours from the Moscow State Conservatory, where he studied piano under Aleksandr Goldenweiser and composition under Aram Khachaturian, he returned to Georgia to lead the piano department at the Tbilisi State Conservatory. In the course of his illustrious career, Gabunia gained equal recognition as a pianist, composer and teacher. In 1983, he became vice-chancellor of the conservatory, a position he held for the rest of his life. Internationally, he joined the Royal Conservatory in The Hague as a visiting lecturer. Soon after his death, his students honoured his memory by founding a national piano competition in his name.