Djansug Kakhidze, Conductor Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra
Nodar Gabunia, Piano
Cat.No: CGC 034-2
Format: 2 CDs, jewel box in slip case
Total time: 125:37
CD 1
Peter Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet Music)
(1) I . Overture 03:05
(2) II. No.1 The Christmas Tree 04:24
(3) III. No.2 Marche 02:22
(4) IV. No.3 Children’s Galop and Entry of the Parents 02:16
(5) V. No.4 Drosselmeyer’s Arrival and Distribution of Presents 05:53
(6) VI. No.5 The Nutcracker and Grandfather Dance 06:22
(7) VII. No.6 Departure of the Guests, Night 06:40
(8) VIII. No.7 The Battle 03:22
(9) IX. No.8 A Pine Forest in Winter 03:53
(10) X. No.9 Waltz of the Snowflakes 07:07
CD 2
The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet Music)
(1) XI. No.10 The Enchanted Palace of the Kingdom of Sweets 04:57
(2) XII. No.11 Arrival of Clara and the Nutcracker 04:54
(3) XIII. No.12 Divertissement 12:47
(4) XIV. No.13 Waltz of the Flowers 06:48
(5) XV. No.14 Pas de Deux 09:09
(6) XVI. No.15 Final Waltz and Apotheose 05:39
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, op. 23
(7) I. Allegro non troppo e maestoso 21:28
(8) II. Andantino semplice 07:04
(9) III. Allegro con fuoco 07:03
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.