Vaja

AZARASHVILI
(b. 1936)

Days Go By
Complete Works for Cello and Piano
Alexander Suleiman, Cello • Irma Issakadze, Piano
Vaja AZARASHVILI (b. 1936)
Days Go By: Complete Works for Cello and Piano

Georgian composer, Vaja Azarashvili, has been masterfully uses clear and logical structures,
described as the ‘lyricist’ of Georgian musical while enriching them with his distinctive
culture. His melodies have become popular for musical language rooted in free improvisation
their deeply felt sentiments and perfect natural and Georgian modality.
expression. A rich musical palette can be Azarashvili has written music for cello
found in his works which is both intense throughout his life and is prolific in multiple
and memorable. His music stimulates the genres. From the Cello Concerto No. 1 (1969)
imagination from the very first notes. to the Sonata for Cello Solo (2005), dedicated
Stylistically, Vaja Azarashvili’s musical to his friend, the phenomenal cellist, Eldar
language is influenced by neo-Classicism Issakadze, the composer has infused the cello
and late Romanticism. Living in a musical works with his most personal thoughts and
environment infused with a reverence for feelings, giving the instrument a human voice.
Georgian folk tradition has cultivated a unique
representation of national heritage in his
music. The distinctive elements of Georgian Cello Sonata No. 1 (1961–99)
folk songs and dances are evident in the Cello Sonata No. 1 was conceived in 1961,
melodic structures and rhythmic patterns: when Vaja Azarashvili was still a student at
he skilfully interweaves these characteristics the College of Music in Tbilisi. The work was
within the boundaries of modern classical completed in 1999 and premiered the same year
and popular music. The presence of folk in Tbilisi, Moscow and Yerevan. The Sonata
elements from the Caucasus (the area is written in a single continuous movement
between the Black and the Caspian Seas) combining several contrasting sections. The
gives an unmistakable flavour to Vaja opening Largo emerges from darkness and
Azarashvili’s music. leads into the angst-ridden principal theme.
However, Vaja Azarashvili supersedes The movement builds in intensity, reaching a
the image of a folk-nationalist. A polystylist, dramatic climax, after which the movement
he is first of all recognised as a prominent reverts back to the Largo and flows into a waltz-
20th-century classical composer. Like many like scherzo (Moderato). The following section,
composers of his generation, he was heavily an agitated, showy Allegro moderato makes an
influenced by the titans of Russian music, immediate impact, followed, after a climax, by
Sergey Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich. He the opening theme, gradually fading at the end.
Cello Sonata No. 2 (1976) Five Preludes for Cello and Piano (2006)
Cello Sonata No. 2 is written for and dedicated No. 1. Andantino is written in the tempo of
to Eldar Issakadze who premiered the an elegant slow waltz. Revelling in dissonant
composition in Tbilisi in 1976. The Sonata intervals and sharp staccatos in the piano
consists of four contrasting movements. accompaniment, the piece evinces a light-
The sorrowful theme at the opening of hearted and slightly sarcastic character.
the Allegro moderato projects a dissonant No. 2. Allegro is charged with sharp accents
minor second interval that plays a prominent and sudden dynamic changes. The movement
role in the motivic unity of the sonata. The opens with solo cello, thrusting a repeated
movement develops as a dialogue between ostinato pattern and setting the stage for the
the cello and piano. The introspective energetic entrance of a grotesque descending
Allegro second movement, is characterised scale in the piano.
by instability, achieved by metrical freedom No. 3. Tempo di valse, built on the metrical
within the constant tempo, syncopation and pattern of a waltz, is an elegant, yet dissonant
the repetitive theme, derived from the second dance-like prelude with an element of innocent
interval and supported by a dissonant coquetry.
harmony. Marked Lento, the third movement No. 4. Largo is an evocation of loneliness
gives freedom of expression to the cello in an and grief. The piano starts slowly, providing
improvisatory declamation supported by the a dark accompaniment for the cello’s vocal
repetitive pulse of the piano accompaniment. theme.
A sharp and angular cello cadenza leads to an No. 5. Allegro moderato opens with ghostly
agitated climax, which eventually returns to the cello pizzicati, leading to the dissonant and
opening pulse of the piano and cello declamation angular main theme. The piano enters with sharp
now conveyed in a tragic vein. The finale, octaves in a low register. Both instruments,
Allegro, starts with a sudden, raucous piano intertwining in an intense, grotesque motion,
accompaniment with a bellicose character. The then charge towards the abrupt and decisive
cello bursts in with a theme built on octaves ending.
sliding into dissonant intervals. Charged with
energy, the perpetual motion develops into a
furious climax. The movement gradually draws
to a quiet close and disappears like a vision
into the ether.
Prelude for Cello and Piano (1976), represents the generation of Georgian classical
Nostalgie (1991) and Nocturne (1987) composers who emerged in the former Soviet
Prelude for Cello and Piano, Nostalgie for piano Union in the 1960s.
solo and Nocturne for symphony orchestra are Azarashvili was born in 1936 in Tbilisi.
among the pieces that gave Vaja Azarashvili His father was a musician, who specialised
his poetic, lyrical reputation. Infused with in folk music and played on Georgian folk
nostalgic intimacy and romantic meditation, instruments. Early exposure to ethnic music
these melodies have become famous across rooted in a free improvisational style and
Georgia. inherently connected with Georgian poetry,
soon revealed Azarashvili’s interest and talent
Days Go By (1969) for composition. He received his initial music
education in composition at the College of
Azarashvili’s popular song, Days Go By for
Music in Tbilisi. From 1956 to 1963, he studied
voice and symphony orchestra is included here
at the Tbilisi State Conservatory, where he
in a version for cello and piano arranged by
completed courses in undergraduate and post-
Alexander Suleiman in 2017. The lyrics by the
graduate studies majoring in composition.
poet, P. Grouzinsky – ‘Days go by, melting away
The year 1969 became significant in
as a candle, we will always regret our silence’ –
the young composer’s life: the premier of
express the gentle regret of unconfessed love,
his Cello Concerto No. 1, performed by the
while Vaja Azarashvili’s music proclaims the
celebrated cellist Eldar Issakadze (Peoples’
strength of pure feeling.
Artist of Georgia), brought Vaja Azarashvili
instant recognition and popularity. Multiple
Sentimental Tango (1972)
performances of the Concerto followed
The popular piece, Sentimental Tango, was shortly after, in the former Soviet Union and
composed for the Georgian film, Autumn Sun. in Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Yugoslavia
Azarashvili later arranged it for string quartet and Czechoslovakia. Following this success,
and included in it the collection Dancing Pieces the Viola Concerto, written in 1973, secured
along with a foxtrot, a blues and a Charleston. Azarashvili’s reputation as a master of the
Sentimental Tango was transcribed for cello concerto form, of which he has written seven.
and piano by the composer in 2001. Chamber music is central to Vaja
Azarashvili’s expression of lyricism, and he has
Biography written a large number of compositions in this
Vaja Azarashvili is one of the most significant genre. The list of works includes sonatas for
pioneers of the Georgian classical idiom. He different instruments, quartets, quintets, piano
duos and music for chamber orchestra. Currently, he is working as a professor
In the 1970s, Azarashvili turned to of composition in Tbilisi State Conservatory.
vocal music, writing six operettas, two song For his artistic achievements, he has been
cycles using classical Georgian poetry and awarded numerous awards and honours,
many art songs. Throughout his career including the highest title of Peoples’
Vaja Azarashvili has written popular songs, and Artist of Georgia.
music for theatre and film. Many of his songs
are dedicated to his beloved city at Tbilisi. This Dr Angela Cholakian
brought him tremendous popularity in Georgia.
Alexander Suleiman
From the Concertgebouw to the National Performing Arts Center in Beijing
and Carnegie Hall, the German/American cellist Alexander Suleiman has
won critical acclaim for his artistry. Suleiman, considered one of today’s
premier cellists, has distinguished himself as a soloist, recitalist, chamber
artist and artistic director. His musical lineage is of the highest calibre having
studied with Eldar Issakadze, Daniil Shafran and Natalia Gutman.
Suleiman’s passion for contemporary music and his comprehensive
mastery of cello repertoire before 1900 make him an artist forging new
paths of expression using bold musical ideas. He frequently performs cello
concertos by the leading composers of our time such as Franz Hummel,
Erkki-Sven Tüür, Pēteris Vasks, and Vaja Azarashvili, many of whom have
dedicated works to him. His extensive discography includes world premiere
recordings of several of these works.
In addition to his busy recording and performance schedule, Suleiman is deeply interested in the
intersection of music with other cultural and political issues. He is a committed ambassador of European
musical culture to the Arab world, Israel, the Caucasian countries, Asia, Africa and South America.
www.alexandersuleiman.com

Irma Issakadze
Irma Issakadze was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, into one of the most
significant musical families of the former Soviet Union. Her debut at the
age of nine in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and the Georgian State
Symphony Orchestra was the launch of her extraordinary, much-lauded
artistic career. At the age of 14 Issakadze was admitted to the Hochschule
für Musik in Munich, Germany, as a protégée of the German pianist
Ludwig Hoffmann who encouraged and taught her. She studied under
the Russian pianist Vladimir Krainev in Hanover, and her recordings
have gained outstanding reviews, including the Goldberg Variations on
the Oehms Classics label which Die Zeit described as ‘breathtaking…
wonderfully played.’ Issakadze is a passionate supporter of Georgian
musical culture and is dedicated to promoting the oeuvres of Georgian
composers, many of whom dedicated works to her father, Eldar Issakadze, and aunt, Liana Issakadze.
www.irmaissakadze.com
Celebrated Georgian composer Vaja Azarashvili is part of the generation that emerged during the
Soviet era in the 1960s, becoming one of the country’s most significant pioneers in the idiom of classical
music and bringing international recognition to its contemporary musical heritage. Azarashvili’s
intensely lyrical musical language is elegantly represented in this collection of his complete works for
cello and piano, including his transcriptions of beautiful pieces including the Nocturne, Nostalgie, and
the Sentimental Tango in world premiere recordings for these versions.

Vaja
AZARASHVILI
(b. 1936)
Days Go By
Complete Works for Cello and Piano
Cello Sonata No. 1 (1961–99) 13:19 ! Prelude for Cello and Piano 4:29
1 Largo – Moderato – Allegro moderato (1976)
(ed. Nugzar Vatsadze, 2005)
Nostalgie (1991)* 2:48
Cello Sonata No. 2 (1976) 21:47 (version for cello and piano, arr. Azarashvili, 2003)
2 I. Allegro moderato 4:18 @ Andante
3 II. Allegro 3:46
Nocturne (1987)* 4:29
4 III. Lento 9:28 (version for cello and piano, arr. Azarashvili, 2001)
5 IV. Allegro 4:06 # Andante cantabile
Five Preludes 13:52 Days Go By (1969) 4:34
for Cello and Piano (2006) (version for cello and piano,
6 No. 1. Andantino 3:29 arr. Alexander Suleiman, 2017)
7 No. 2. Allegro 1:25 $ Andante
8 No. 3. Tempo di valse 2:30
9 No. 4. Largo 4:14 Sentimental Tango (1972)* 1:30
(version for cello and piano, arr. Azarashvili, 2001)
0 No. 5. Allegro moderato 2:01
% Tempo di Tango
* WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING
Alexander Suleiman, Cello • Irma Issakadze, Piano
Recorded: 8–9 July 2017 at the Stadthalle, Neutraubling, Germany
Producer, engineer and editor: Wolfgang Ellers • Booklet notes: Dr Angela Cholakian
Cover image: Medieval fortress of Narikala at night, Tbilisi, Georgia (www.iStockPhoto.com)