CD/DVD — Asmik Grigorian

Laws of Solitude

Asmik Grigorian recorded both versions of Richard Strauss's ultimate masterpiece, Four Last Songs: the version with orchestra and the more rarely performed version with piano. For her, this work is associated with the idea of solitude, but not an unhappy solitude, rather a journey towards infinity.

For this unique coupling, the Opus Klassik Singer of the Year 2023 is joined by two long-time accomplices: conductor Mikko Franck, with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and pianist Markus Hinterhauser, artistic director of the Salzburg Festival. The pairing of the two versions shine light on different aspects of this masterpiece: after the lush and familiar abundance of Strauss's orchestration, an intimate sensitivity is revealed by the piano version.

Asmik’s second studio recording - out February 9th, 2024
Strauss’s Four Last Songs - with piano and with orchestra
Asmik recorded the piano version of the Lieder with Markus Hinterhäuser and the ochestral arrangement with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, conducted by Mikko Franck

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“Because “one” is never enough for me. My main interest in recording both versions (with orchestra and with piano) was that they each require different colours – even if they are the same piece. Mikko Franck is one of the best conductors working today, and makes everything simple, like all the truly special things on this planet are. Markus Hinterhäuser is just a magician in everything he does. Making music with them makes me feel that I am not alone.”

— Asmik Grigorian

Dissonance

Having triumphed on the stage, Asmik Grigorian now brings her artistry to the recording studio with the release of her eagerly awaited first recording, in collaboration with pianist Lukas Geniušas, Dissonance, the first of many projects planned with Alpha Classics.

Asmik’s first studio recording was released on March 25, 2022.
Devoted to one of her favourite composers, Sergei Rachmaninov, Ms. Grigorian chose to present his intimate yet highly emotional romances written for voice and piano.
In collaboration with her compatriot, pianist Lukas Geniušas, the powerful artistry of these two musicians is on full display, and, in contrast with the album’s title, in complete harmony.

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Shostakovich Symphony No.14

Asmik releases her second album with Alpha Classics: a recording of Shostakovich's 14th Symphony. The new album features baritone Matthias Goerne and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Maestro Mikko Franck conducts .

The album was released on 20th October 2023
This highly subtle symphony set to poems by García Lorca, Apollinaire, Küchelbecker and Rilke, as Benjamin François explains, is ‘Shostakovich’s fundamental affirmation that the inhuman actions of the executioners, Stalin and his henchmen, may well cause physical death, but cannot prevent the continued spiritual existence of works of art.’
Asmik Grigorian joins Matthias Goerne for this monumental yet highly subtle symphony. Drawing on their vast experience of the work and the passion that characterises them, they successfully embody all its dimensions.